SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - OCTOBER 12: Peter Handscomb of the Bushrangers walks out to field during the JLT One Day Cup match between Victoria and South Australia at North Sydney Oval on October 12, 2017 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)

With the Big Bash all but wrapped up, the cricket attention returns to the JLT Sheffield Shield, with many hoping to stamp their claim for the upcoming Tour of South Africa.

With stars of the national team including Steve Smith and David Warner sitting out, eight of the squad set to depart later this week proved their worth in their last match before the tour.

After a disappointing Ashes series, Victorian Peter Handscomb, did his chances no harm with a second-innings century against South Australia.

Making a first innings duck, the pressure was on for Handscomb to deliver when it really counted, and he did with an unbeaten 114.

The Victorian skipped steered his side to victory, claiming the win and giving himself some much needed confidence before the tough series against the South Africans.

Opener Cameron Bancroft wasn't as lucky with his two innings, again proving he could get through the new ball, but unable to continue on to a big score, getting out for 38 in the first knock.

Question marks are starting to be raised with Bancroft, and while he only earned his Baggy Green for the first Test of the Magellan Ashes Series, his performances have been shaky at best, unable to cement his position, and against the fierce attack of the Proteas coming up, it is a do-or-die situation for the young Western Australian.

Others that struggled included Mitch Marsh, whilst snaring four wickets in the first innings, was unable to capitalise with his form of the summer, just managing eight and 14 runs in his innings.

Brother Shaun was slightly stronger, getting starts in both hits but again unable to capitalise, with 29 and 39.

Spinners Nathan Lyon and Jon Holland had quite the opposite of games, with Australia's spearhead able to claim 3-59 in the first innings of NSW match against Western Australia, while Holland was only able to claim figures of 1-135 for the match.

The Australians will have one extra hit-out against the South Africa Invitational XI, before they face the Proteas in the First Test on March 1.