Tigers on top despite SA's wagging tail

An unlikely last-wicket partnership gave South Australia some hope on an otherwise disappointing day for the home side against Tasmania, as the JLT Sheffield Shield resumed following the mid-season break.

The lay-off seems to have done little good for South Australia's batting woes with the bottom side only managing 257 after winning the toss in extremely hot conditions at Adelaide Oval on Saturday.

Tasmania were forced to face a 40-minute stint, reaching 0-16 at stumps.

Joe Mennie swung the bat wildly late in the day for 43no off 38 balls, while No.11 Chadd Sayers chipped in with 20, as the SA pair added 64 for the tenth wicket.

South Australia reached 3-69 at lunch, before facing complete disaster at 6-115 with all six recognised batsman back in the pavilion.

Only Travis Head got a start among the top order with the captain posting 50 before he became one of wicketkeeper Tim Paine's five victims behind the stumps.

South Australia wicketkeeper Harry Nielsen struck a watchful 43, while Cameron Valente added 23.

Valente fell to the bowling of part-timer and career wicketkeeper Matthew Wade (1-23), such were South Australia's woes on day one.

Tasmania speedster and Ashes hopeful Jackson Bird shone for the Tigers, returning figures of 4-53, including three top order scalps.

Cellar-dwelling South Australia, who desperately need a win if they are to revive their slim Shield hopes, were boosted by the return of prolific wicket-taker Sayers following knee surgery though Daniel Worrall was forced to miss the match after recent back problems.

Australian captain Paine lined up for a rare Shield appearance, with veteran batter George Bailey out for at least a fortnight after dislocating his shoulder in the recent BBL finals.