South Australia and Victoria were evenly poised in the Pura Cup match at Adelaide Oval after a lacklustre opening day.

In the first game for the David Hookes Memorial Trophy, Victoria was 2-14 at stumps chasing South Australia's first innings of 254.

Brendan Joseland was unbeaten on five and Graeme Rummans was yet to score.

The home side has picked up the valuable wicket of Matthew Elliott for just six and nightwatchman Michael Lewis for a duck, both scalps falling to Shaun Tait, who had 2-7 from six overs.

Earlier Mark Cosgrove hit a stylish 82 for the Redbacks with 13 boundaries in a two-hour stay at the crease.

His contribution saved the home side from what could have been a poor showing to open the new season with SA slumping to 4-68 at one stage after skipper Graham Manou won the toss and elected to bat.

Manou chipped in with 50 himself while number eight Mark Cleary scored 40.

For Victoria Michael Lewis impressed early and finished with 3-34 while Mathew Inness cleaned up the tail to also grab three wickets.

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