Bird is the words for Tasmania in Shield

Tasmanian fast bowler Jackson Bird has staked a claim for a spot in the Adelaide Test after his five-wicket haul left South Australia's top order in tatters.

Tasmania have fought back on the second day of their Sheffield Shield clash with SA. (AAP)

Sheffield Shield strugglers Tasmania boast a hefty 220-run lead at the midway point of their match against South Australia after Test aspirant Jackson Bird starred with the ball.

Omitted from Australia's starting side for the first Test in Brisbane, Bird took his place in the Tasmania side from day two of the match replacing fellow paceman Riley Meredith.

And Bird delivered immediate dividends - two wickets in his first three balls, including dismissing John Dalton from the first ball of the innings.

Bird continued to take top-order wickets, eventually returning figures of 5-30 from 12 tight overs as South Australia were dismissed for 141.

And SA's 141-run first innings deficit could have been far greater but for a typically aggressive knock of 81 from skipper Travis Head.

Rookie Tasmanian allrounder Tom Rogers chipped in with 3-22 as SA lost their last eight wickets for the addition of just 65 runs.

Tasmania concluded the day at 2-79 and well placed for their first win of the season.

Earlier, Tasmania moved from their overnight 8-228 to be bowled out for 282, with overnight centurion Jake Doran dismissed for 114.

Australia's day-night Ashes Test in Adelaide commences on December 2.