David Hussey's third century in as many matches has given Victoria renewed hope of salvaging something from the Pura Cup cricket match against South Australia at the MCG.

Hussey (105 not out) and Brad Hodge (72 not out) put on an unbroken stand of 182 which carried Victoria to 2-191 at stumps on day two, in reply to SA's 398.

Hussey drove Mark Cosgrove through the covers for four in the third-last over of the day to reach three figures in the third match in succession after he scored back-to-back hundreds against NSW.

The big partnership got the Bushrangers back into the game after the bottom-placed Redbacks threatened to make the match theirs after an inspired start to the day.

Tailenders Ryan Harris (74), Jason Gillespie (61) and Cullen Bailey (54) all posted their highest scores in the competition to lift SA to its best batting effort of the season, having slipped to a precarious 6-163.

Gillespie and Shaun Tait then grabbed a wicket each inside Victoria's first three overs to have the home side reeling at 2-9.

Hussey and Hodge then regrouped until tea and attacked in the last session.

Hussey slogged Bailey's leg spin for two huge sixes, one of which took a few minutes to retrieve as a couple of SA players and ground attendants looked for the ball under a bay of empty seats.

Victoria is second on the table and is chasing maximum points to get out of the logjam.

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