The incumbent Test No.6, who struck an unbeaten 171 to save his side's blushes against Tasmania last week, was out caught behind for nine as SA fumbled their way to a first innings 200.

In response Victoria were 0-38 at stumps.

Batting at No.4, Head was once more at the crease earlier than he would have liked when his side slipped to 2-28 at ACH Group Stadium in Adelaide.

After winning the toss and electing to bat, SA moved to 0-25 before Conor McInerney (12) was out caught in the deep off the bowling of Mitchell Perry (2-35).

Out of touch Brad Davis was out for a duck with just three more runs added to the total, bringing Head to the crease.

In a watchful mood, he looked to be heading unbeaten to lunch with Henry Hunt before feathering a Will Sutherland (3-26) ball through to 'keeper Seb Gotch.

The quick loss of Callum Ferguson for a duck and then the in form Hunt (50) left the Redbacks struggling at 5-76, Liam Scott (16) and Chadd Sayers (0) doing little to stem the bleeding.

Harry Nielsen compiled a neat 40 and Wes Agar pitched in with an entertaining 41 from 44 balls batting at No.10 but it looks to be another long season for the 2019/20 wooden spooners.

Will Pucovski (18 not out) and Marcus Harris (19 no) encountered few of the problems the home side had and took the Victorians through to stumps.

Sutherland said it was nice to finally get the season underway for the Vics, who had been delayed because of further COVID-19 restrictions.

"Having that little delayed start to the season gave us enough time for our young quicks to get ready and that showed today I think," Sutherland said.

"I thought it was probably good for our few debutants (Zak Evans and Mitchell Perry) to be bowling first and I was actually pretty excited to be bowling to an opposition for once rather than Nic Maddinson and Will Pucovski for the whole pre-season."

Australian Associated Press