Ferguson still a factor

South Australian captain Graham Manou believes Callum Ferguson can have a positive impact on his team even though he'll miss the Redbacks' opening Sheffield Shield match with a knee injury.

Ferguson, who sustained the injury in a fielding incident at the Champions Trophy, returned to Adelaide from South Africa on Thursday night.

He will have scans on his knee to determine the extent of the damage. With the seriousness of the injury unknown, the Redbacks had no choice but to overlook the star batsmen when picking a side to tackle Tasmania next week.

But Manou said Ferguson's ongoing success with the Australian limited overs side had provided his state team-mates with a benchmark to work towards.

"To see him adjust his game so well and perform so well in a short period of time has given the guys that are really close to him in the group, that have grown up through the junior ranks, a real extra drive and I think he's certainly pushing some of the older guys in the group as well as some of the rookies," Manou said.

Manou himself got a taste of international cricket after taking the gloves from Brad Haddin in the third Ashes test at Edgbaston in July.

The 30-year-old is hopeful his tour with the Aussies may help him bring more professionalism to the Redbacks squad.

"I think what I probably have brought back is trying to lift the intensity at our training, particularly within our fielding sessions," he said.

"Hopefully we'll be able to improve, that's something we need to improve on, particularly in the shorter format."

Manou said watching Ricky Ponting lead the national side could also help his captaincy.

"I guess I won't find out until the heat of the battle but to sit back and watch Ricky go about his business through the whole tour was an experience you'll treasure just as much as being part of that tour and getting a chance to play," he said.

"He's a phenomenal leader and I certainly learnt a lot of him and hopefully I can emulate a few of the things he did on that tour."

Regardless of Manou and Ferguson's new-found experience, the Redbacks made some dramatic improvements last season finishing third in both the Shield and the Ford Ranger Cup.

Manou said there were high expectations the side could win a title in at least one of the three competitions.

"We spoke about it a lot last year; it's not about the individuals it's about where this group is heading. I believe over the next four years we've got a real chance of winning something and if we don't I think we've missed the boat again and to me that would unacceptable for this group."