Paceman Luke Butterworth took his sixth wicket but rain hampered Tasmania’s push for first innings points against South Australia in the Sheffield Shield match in Adelaide.

In reply to Tasmania’s 3(dec)-403, the Redbacks were 8-157 at lunch on Thursday’s rain-marred third day.

Butterworth’s figures of 6-39 from 18 overs are currently his best first-class return, and the fifth time the 28-year-old has taken five or more wickets in an innings.

Tasmanian all-rounder James Faulkner is the other successful bowler with 2-25 from eight overs.

Rain postponed the start of play for about an hour before SA resumed at 7-93, and further showers restricted play to only 13 overs in the morning session.

Wicketkeeper-batsman Tim Ludemann and Test offspinner Nathan Lyon took the total to 111 before Butterworth claimed his sixth victim.

Lyon, on 11, lofted towards the on-side and was well caught by Alex Doolan, diving low and to his left at mid-wicket.

Ludemann was then joined by tailender Chadd Sayers and the pair scored freely, putting on an unbroken 46-run stand in less than 10 overs.

Ludemann was particularly aggressive and struck eight boundaries in his unbeaten 44, while Sayers struck two fours in moving to 17 not out before rain forced players from the field and lunch to be called earlier than scheduled.