South Australia has claimed two late wickets and the honours on the opening day of its rain-affected Weet-Bix Sheffield Shield match against Tasmania at Adelaide Oval on Tuesday.

The Tigers won the toss, elected to bat and at stumps were 5-149 from 59.2 overs. It was an awful day for cricket with rain prematurely bringing a halt to proceedings five times.

Lunch was called 10 minutes early, two short breaks were called in the second session, there was a 107-minute tea break as the groundsmen protected the pitch from the elements while the final session lasted just seven overs before the heavens opened again.

About two and half hours of play was lost throughout the day because of the unpredictable conditions.

It was a frustrating contest for both sides but the Redbacks took 2-1 in a seven-over stint after tea to put the visitors on the back foot.

Captain George Bailey was caught by diving gully fielder Michael Klinger off Peter George for 34 runs while Tom Cooper took a sharp chance in the covers off Chris Duval to remove the Tigers' former skipper Dan Marsh for 13.

Both players failed to add to their tea-time scores.

Overnight batsmen Luke Butterworth and Jason Krejza are new to the crease and are both yet to score.

Peter George, Chris Duval, Mark Cleary, Aaron O'Brien and Mark Cosgrove took one wicket each.

Earlier, it had been steady going for the Tigers who reached 2-68 at lunch.

Some early boundaries off George got the scoreboard ticking and some quick singles kept the fielders on their toes.

Apart from a few lbw shouts and a touch-and-go run out attempt by O'Brien, the visitors were comfortable at the crease. South Australia's line and length was generally around the mark but struggled to beat the bat.

Ed Cowan, in his first game for Tasmania, was the first batsmen dismissed. The former NSW player easily reached 23 before he got a bottom edge attempting a pull shot.

O'Brien had a sweeping Jon Wells bowled for 32 and the session was closed as rain swept over the ground.

The Tigers added 80 runs for the loss of one wicket after lunch to be 3-148 at tea with Bailey and Marsh battling hard.

Alex Doolan was steadily building his innings but was caught at first slip by Daniel Harris off Cosgrove on the first ball back from the second rain break.

It was a disappointing conclusion for Doolan who battled almost two hours and faced 91 balls for his 37.

Tasmania first innings
Cowan b Cleary 23
Wells b O'Brien 32
Doolan c Harris b Cosgrove 37
Bailey c Klinger b George 34
Marsh c Cooper b Duval 13
Butterworth not out
Krejza not out
Extras: 10 (nb 6, lb 4)

Total: 149 (5 wickets; 59.2 overs)

FoW: 1-44, 2-68, 3-121, 4-149, 5-149

Bowling:
George 18 - 7 - 39 - 1 (2nb)
Duval 14.2 - 5 - 22 - 0 (3nb)
Cleary 12 - 2 - 29 - 1
Christian 8 - 0 - 36 - 0 (1nb)
O'Brien 3 - 1 - 4 - 1
Cosgrove 4 - 1 - 15 - 1