Aussie Test stars witness a stunning Shield collapse as the son of a gun makes a statement - LIVE
Queensland's Sheffield Shield campaign took a dramatic turn for the worse at the Gabba, resulting in a stunning defeat against South Australia. This loss could significantly impact their chances of securing a final berth.
Queensland's second innings crumbled, with six wickets falling for just 8 runs, leaving them with a meager total of 119. South Australia, set a target of 91, achieved victory with three wickets down, thanks to the efforts of Test players Alex Carey (19) and Nathan McSweeney (17).
South Australia's fast bowler, Nathan McAndrew, claimed his 13th five-wicket haul, almost securing a hat-trick by dismissing Hayden Kerr and Mitch Swepson in consecutive deliveries. Queensland's lower order contributed barely one run, with Kerr, Swepson, and Tom Straker dismissed for ducks, while Michael Neser was caught behind by Alex Carey for one run. Jem Ryan remained unbeaten on zero.
The Queensland batting lineup also struggled at the top. Test batters Usman Khawaja (4) and Marnus Labuschagne (2) were dismissed cheaply, leaving the hosts at 3/10. Only Lachlan Hearne (53) and Hugh Weigben (34) reached double figures in the second innings.
In a low-scoring match, Queensland managed 185 in their first innings after being sent in to bat, thanks to wicket-keeper Jimmy Peirson's 52. South Australia responded with 214, thanks to Jake Lehmann's 74.
Despite the loss, Queensland maintained their second place on the Shield table. However, South Australia is now less than a point behind, and the winner of the Tasmania versus New South Wales clash will be close on their heels with two matches remaining before the final.
In other Shield action, Victoria secured a first innings lead of 193 in Perth, as Western Australia's tail collapsed on the third morning. Western Australia was dismissed for 238 in reply to Victoria's 9/431 declared, with Sam Fanning top-scoring for the hosts with 99. Sam Elliott, the son of former Australian opening batter Matthew Elliott, took 5/75 from 15.2 overs, enjoying a remarkable campaign with the red Kookaburra.
In Hobart, New South Wales built an impressive lead of 220 in the pink ball clash after the first innings. NSW were all out for 356, and Tasmania reached 0/34 when rain brought an early end to the first session of the day. NSW wicket-keeper Josh Philippe top-scored with 81, while opener Will Salzmann made 73 and Sam Konstas chipped in with 27. There was drama before the start of play, with Jack Edwards substituted out with a hamstring injury, replaced by young quick Charlie Anderson, making his first-class debut.
Tasmania made a change, substituting Gabe Bell for Aiden O'Connor, who immediately impacted the game by picking up Joel Davies (4) in the first over of the day. Tasmania was all out for 136 in their first innings, with Liam Hatcher (5/51) doing the bulk of the damage.
