A gritty unbeaten century by Brad Hodge put Victoria in a comfortable position after day one of the Pura Cup cricket match against South Australia at Adelaide Oval today.

Hodge battled tough conditions to be not out 100 at stumps as the Bushrangers reached 4-228.

He was joined by Ian Harvey, who remained not out 29.

Play was extended for an hour after three rain interruptions during the day and even when the lights were switched on, the atmosphere was dim.

But the pair faced up well to the new ball late in the day, putting on a 53-run partnership with Hodge reaching his 13th first-class ton off 209 deliveries, including 12 fours.

"It wasn't my most glorious innings in the world," Hodge said.

"It's good to get off to a good start. Last season I started off with an 85 not out against a full-strength New South Wales and that kicked me on my way, now this, it's good for the team.

"I struggled a bit because I'm a bit colour-blind. It got really dark."

With key strike bowlers Paul Wilson and Brett Swain out injured, SA youngster Paul Rofe (2-38) stepped up in only his fourth first-class match to make the breakthrough for the Redbacks on the last ball before lunch.

Jason Arnberger had reached 17 before he slashed at a delivery from the 20-year-old paceman, hitting the ball straight to Ben Higgins, who took a comfortable catch low to his left at cover point.

The visitors added just two runs to their lunchtime total before Rofe struck again when Matthew Mott edged a catch to wicketkeeper Graham Manou to put Victoria at 2-47.

Victorian opener Matthew Elliott looked dangerous, facing 119 balls and hitting five fours on his way to 42.

But when Hodge hit a Mark Harrity delivery and the pair set off for a run, SA skipper Darren Lehmann pounced on the ball and returned it underarm to the 'keepers end, catching Elliott out of his ground.

Hodge then combined with Michael Klinger for 83 runs.

After batting for more than an hour and facing 67 deliveries for just 13, Klinger picked up the pace after tea, adding another 22 from 44 balls, including four fours.

But Klinger's innings ended on 35 when he edged Harrity to the 'keeper.

Test paceman Jason Gillespie bowled well without reward, finishing on no wicket for 45 from 23 overs while Harrity finished with 1-65 from 21 overs.

© 2001 AAP