South Australia hold a narrow but significant advantage in their Sheffield Shield clash with Queensland after an engrossing second day at the Gabba, where momentum shifted repeatedly before settling, at least for now, with the visitors.
Jake Lehmann’s authoritative half century anchored South Australia’s first innings, while disciplined new ball bowling in Queensland’s second dig has left the contest delicately poised. By stumps on day two, Queensland were 4 for 110, leading by 81 runs after recovering from a disastrous start that threatened to derail their response entirely.
It was a day defined by resilience on both sides. South Australia fought back from a precarious position to claim the first innings lead, only for Queensland to counter through a composed middle order effort that kept the match alive heading into the third day.
Lehmann Leads the Fightback
Resuming at 4 for 62 in reply to Queensland’s modest first innings total of 185, South Australia faced immediate pressure. The surface offered enough movement to encourage the Bulls’ seamers, and when the visitors slipped to 6 for 81, the prospect of conceding a sizeable deficit loomed large.
Instead, Jake Lehmann seized control.
Lehmann’s 74 was not a scratchy survival act. It was a calculated counterpunch. He assessed the conditions swiftly and understood that passive resistance would only allow Queensland’s attack to dictate terms. His approach was proactive, without tipping into recklessness.
There were edges along the way, reminders of the fine margins at play, but the left hander consistently found ways to pierce the infield. Crisp drives through cover, decisive cuts square of the wicket, and well timed pulls ensured that the pressure was redistributed. Each boundary forced the field to adjust and prevented Queensland from locking South Australia into a defensive shell.
Crucially, he found support in Liam Scott.
Scott’s 32 may not command headlines, but his role was essential. The pair combined for a 90 run partnership for the seventh wicket, a stand that transformed the innings. Where Lehmann attacked, Scott absorbed. He rotated strike intelligently and punished over pitched deliveries without overreaching. Together, they shifted the tone of the contest.
By the time South Australia were eventually bowled out for 214, they had secured a 29 run first innings lead. In a match where scoring has been hard earned, that margin carries weight.
Queensland’s Bowlers Make an Impression
For Queensland, there were still positives with the ball.
Jem Ryan continued a promising Sheffield Shield debut, finishing with 3 for 51. His ability to extract seam movement and maintain disciplined lines kept the pressure on throughout the innings. Michael Neser, Tom Straker, and Mitch Swepson each claimed two wickets, contributing to a collective effort that never allowed South Australia to break free entirely.
Straker struck early in the day when Jason Sangha, on 28, attempted to withdraw late from a delivery. The ball caught the face of the bat, looping towards third slip where Hugh Weibgen completed a sharp one handed catch low to his left. It was a moment of athletic precision that lifted Queensland’s energy.
Neser followed up in the next over with tactical clarity. Setting a leg side trap with two fielders stationed deep, he delivered a well directed bouncer that tempted Nathan McAndrew into the pull. The plan worked to perfection, as McAndrew fell into the snare.
At 6 for 81, Queensland sensed an opening. Yet Lehmann and Scott’s partnership denied them the commanding position they sought.
Early Collapse in Queensland’s Second Innings
If South Australia felt they had done enough to edge ahead, they reinforced that belief quickly with the ball in Queensland’s second innings.
The Bulls stumbled to 3 for 10, a collapse that stunned the home crowd and briefly tilted the match sharply in South Australia’s favor.
Usman Khawaja fell for four, undone by a leading edge that carried safely to the infield. Marnus Labuschagne’s dismissal for two proved more contentious. He was given out to a diving catch by Alex Carey down the leg side, a decision that Queensland’s captain suggested may have brushed his pad rather than the bat. Regardless of the debate, the wicket stood, and the damage was done.
Young seamer Campbell Thompson impressed with 1 for 28, while Nathan McAndrew continued his all round contribution with figures of 2 for 30. Their discipline in line and length forced errors from a top order that rarely fails in domestic cricket.
At that stage, South Australia were firmly in control. Queensland’s lead was fragile, and another breakthrough would have opened the door to a dominant position.
Hearne and Weibgen Stabilise the Innings
Queensland’s response came through composure rather than flamboyance.
Lachlan Hearne counterattacked with 53 from just 65 deliveries, injecting urgency into the innings when caution alone might have invited further trouble. His stroke play was decisive, particularly square of the wicket, and he ensured the scoring rate remained healthy enough to prevent South Australia from setting overly aggressive fields.
Alongside him, Hugh Weibgen contributed a measured 33 not out. Where Hearne accelerated, Weibgen anchored. His unbeaten presence at stumps provided Queensland with stability and hope heading into day three.
Their partnership repaired the early damage and allowed the Bulls to close at 4 for 110. The 81 run lead is far from commanding, but given the volatility of the match so far, it represents a meaningful foothold.
Match Situation and Tactical Outlook
This Sheffield Shield encounter remains finely balanced.
South Australia will be encouraged by their first innings recovery and their ability to expose Queensland’s top order in the second innings. The visitors have demonstrated resilience under pressure and possess bowlers capable of exploiting early movement.
Queensland, meanwhile, can take confidence from the way Hearne and Weibgen steadied the innings. If they can extend their lead beyond 150, the dynamic shifts considerably. On a surface that has rewarded disciplined seam bowling and punished loose strokes, chasing a substantial fourth innings target could prove demanding.
Both sides have shown flashes of dominance without sustaining control for extended periods. That unpredictability has made the contest compelling and suggests further twists are likely.
As it stands, South Australia