It was supposed to be the day South Australian skipper Darren Lehmann wrote his name into the record books as Australia's greatest domestic run-scorer.

But instead it was the Redbacks' low-profile opener Ben Johnson who created a slice of history at the MCG by becoming the first batsman in Australian first-class cricket in 30 years to carry his bat in successive matches.

Johnson remained 138 not out for South Australia as it stumbled to 229, while at stumps Victoria was 3-103 - on target to claim its first points of the Pura Cup season after the opening day of this match.

After also carrying his bat against Western Australia a fortnight ago, Johnson became the first batsman since former Test skipper Bill Lawry in 1971 to achieve the rare feat of carrying his bat in successive first-class matches in Australia.

But the left-handed opener needed an incredible slice of luck to achieve his feat after being unwittingly involved in a bizarre incident, which could have had serious repercussions for Victorian batsman Brad Hodge.

On 23 Johnson edged Mick Lewis to Hodge at third slip but he lost sight of what appeared to be a regulation chance and was struck a nasty blow in the face.

Hodge left the field appearing groggy and with blood pouring from a gash under his right eye.

Fearing he had suffered a broken cheekbone, Hodge was taken to hospital for precautionary X-rays but was cleared of any structural damage and is expected to bat tomorrow.

It was just as well for South Australia that Hodge, who had earlier taken a sharp catch at third slip to dismiss opener Jeff Vaughan, made a rare fielding error for without Johnson the visitors would have been embarrassed.

After Greg Blewett fell for a third successive duck, Lehmann strode to the wicket knowing he needed only 29 runs to break Jamie Siddons' record of 10,643 Pura Cup runs.

But he could only manage 12 before tickling a Lewis delivery through to keeper Darren Berry as the Redbacks' slumped to 3-65.

Suddenly with their tails up for the first time in what has been a disastrous season, the Vics ripped through the Redbacks' middle order with left-arm quick Mathew Inness following up the prized scalp of Blewett by claiming Ben Higgins and Nathan Adcock.

Teenage leg-spinner Cameron White, preferred to former Test spinner Colin Miller for the second successive match, then got in on the act bowling Brad Young and trapping Mike Smith LBW in his first over.

But just as Johnson appeared set to be stranded short of his century he received some unlikely support from number eleven Mark Harrity, who produced his highest first-class score of 19, with the pair adding 71 for the last wicket to ensure South Australia at least passed the 200 mark.

In reply Victoria lost Matthew Elliott, Jason Arnberger and Matthew Mott.

© 2001 AAP