ADELAIDE, Oct 16 AAP - An unbroken 114-run partnership between South Australian opener Ben Johnson and skipper Greg Blewett put the Redbacks back in control at tea on the second day of the Pura Cup match against Victoria at Adelaide Oval.

After trailing by four runs on the first innings, SA was 1-141 in its second innings at tea, with Johnson unbeaten on 82 and Blewett on 40.

David Fitzgerald was the only batsman out, caught behind off the bowling of Mathew Inness for 11.

The largely untroubled batting from Blewett and Johnson was in marked contrast to the first innings batting of both sides, with Victoria dismissed for 153 in the opening session today in reply to SA's first innings 149.

It was also yet another twist in what has already been a match of mixed fortunes in the five sessions of play so far.

In today's opening session, Victorian newcomer Graeme Rummans (69 not out) controlled a last-wicket 39-run partnership with Will Carr (five) which enabled the Bushrangers to snare first innings points, which seemed highly unlikely when they trailed SA by 35 runs when the ninth wicket fell.

© 2002 AAP

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