Tasmania is eight for 358 heading into day three of the Pura Cup clash against South Australia at Bellerive Oval.

The hometeam secured a 122-run first-innings lead thanks to a 213-run partnership between former skipper Jamie Cox (119) and allrounder Shane Watson (103).

But the Redbacks took four wickets for just eight runs in the closing session on Tuesday leaving captain Dan Marsh not out for 37 with Adam Griffith yet to score.

Right-arm fastbowler Mark Cleary was a stand-out performer for the Redbacks, taking four for 83.

SA coach Wayne Phillips described the team's comeback as heartening.

"I thought it was a terrific effort because the Tigers played tremendously well," he said.

"But for us to come back the way we did, it's really heartening and we are certainly far from out of the game.

"In fact, we are well in the game."

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