South Australia teenage sensation Travis Head fell heartbreakingly short of a maiden Sheffield Shield century against Tasmania as the Redbacks pushed towards a first innings lead in their clash at Adelaide Oval.

Head stumbled for the third time in the 90s this month after blasting a ferocious 98 runs, taking the Redbacks to 4-191 at stumps on day two of the encounter.

The visitors had been bowled out for 291 on the final ball before lunch.

Head’s impressive knock and valuable 75-run partnership with Tom Cooper (26) gave the home side momentum before Callum Ferguson (24 not out) and skipper Johan Botha (10no) steadied the ship before close.

The Redbacks began their innings in lethargic fashion with openers Michael Klinger and Phil Hughes unable to score freely.

Hughes could not maintain the momentum from a maiden double ton against WA last Friday and was eventually caught at slip for just seven.

Klinger could also not sustain his century-making form from the Warriors’ clash, after being struck on the pads lbw by Xavier Doherty (1-33) for 21.

Head turned the tide though in a lightning display with the bat, racing away to 50 in style with a boundary shortly after tea.

Cooper could not keep with Head after former Redbacks batsman Mark Cosgrove took a sharp catch at first slip off the bowling of Luke Butterworth (2-45), who was the best of the bowlers for the visitors.

Butterworth denied Head the century milestone when he pitched a wide ball that the left-hander slashed at and edged behind to Tigers captain and wicketkeeper Tim Paine.