Bushrangers fight back in final session

Sixteen wickets fell on a wild first day of the top-of-the-table Sheffield Shield clash between Victoria and South Australia, and Bushrangers allrounder Glenn Maxwell says the onus is on the batsmen to step up.

Sent in by the Redbacks, the home side were skittled for 180 on a green pitch that offered the bowlers plenty, with Maxwell the shining light with 62.

SA were cruising at 0-65 before Chris Tremain (3-33) struck after tea to spark a collapse that left the Redbacks 24 runs behind at stumps at 6-156.

"I think you'll see a much-improved batting performance second time around," Maxwell said.

"There's still some movement there the whole way through, which is good if you're fielding, but it makes it a challenge as a batting group.

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Mark Cosgrove was the best of the South Australian batsmen making a half-century before he became Tremain's third victim, caught behind attempting to hook.

Tim Ludeman (16) and Adam Zampa (11) are the not out batsmen overnight for the visitors.

SA skipper Travis Head didn't hesitate to send the Bushrangers in on a pitch that promised some movement for bowlers on an overcast morning.

His decision paid dividends with Joe Mennie (3-46) making the most of the conditions early, but it was fellow seamer Daniel Worrall (5-69) who did most of the damage, with his five wickets including danger man Maxwell.

"The pitch had a bit of grass on it, so that's why we bowled first naturally," Worrall said.

"I think there's going to be a bit on offer (for the bowlers) all game.

"I think you can bat on it if you're able to get yourself in but it's going to be pretty tough."