ADELAIDE, Oct 16 AAP - Victoria's off-season recruit Graeme Rummans struck immediate success with his new state today when he guided the Bushrangers to an unlikely first innings lead on day two of the Pura Cup cricket match against South Australia at Adelaide Oval.

Rummans' unbeaten 69 was the backbone of Victoria's first innings 153, surpassing SA's first innings total of 149 by four runs.

At lunch today, the Redbacks were 1-43 in their second innings after David Fitzgerald was caught behind off Mathew Inness for seven.

Ben Johnson was unbeaten on 22, with skipper Greg Blewett on five.

After Victoria started today at 7-94, SA seemed certain to grab first innings points when all-rounder Michael Miller took two quick wickets.

The visitors slumped to 9-114 and still trailed by 35 runs on the first innings before Rummans smashed 32 out of a 39-run last wicket stand with Will Carr (five) to rescue his side.

Rummans, who moved from NSW in search of greater opportunities this season, was dropped on 26 by David Fitzgerald in the gully yesterday.

He survived another chance with his score on 52 today when John Davison dropped a difficult chance off Ryan Harris.

It proved costly as a catch would've ended the Bushrangers' innings on 129 and given the Redbacks first innings points.

Rummans was the only player from either side to make a half-century in the first innings, with Blewett's 36 the next best.

Miller finished with career-best figures of 7-55 after taking just five first-class wickets from his previous four matches.

© 2002 AAP

This report does not necessarily represent the views of the Australian Cricket Board.