Cooper, Lehmann guide Redbacks to Shield win

Tom Cooper and Jake Lehmann have combined for the only century stand of the match to steer South Australia to a precious six-wicket win against Queensland in their Sheffield Shield clash at Adelaide Oval.

Set 279 to win, the Redbacks resumed on the final morning at 4-158, still 121 runs away from victory in a low-scoring match that had seen innings totals of just 218, 156 and 216.

But the home side finished on 4-279 with Cooper (119no) and Lehmann (78no) combining for a match-winning partnership to ensure the anticipated tight finish never eventuated.

The pair put on an unbroken stand of 187 for the fifth wicket - more than their entire team managed in the first innings - to deliver the Redbacks a victory which will likely propel them to second spot on the Shield ladder with two rounds remaining.

The Bulls will remain fifth on the table.

Lehmann and Cooper resumed on the final day at Adelaide Oval with SA 4-158, seeking another 121 runs to win.

And the duo aggressively set about the chase, scoring 64 runs in the opening hour to settle SA's nerves - the only early fright was a close run-out call that Cooper survived.

Cooper was dropped by SA last season after struggling in the aftermath of the 2014 death of his housemate Phillip Hughes, and was overlooked for a Redbacks contract at the start of the summer.

"It makes your realise that you can't get comfortable," he said. "Professional sport, it doesn't matter what it is, there is always someone knocking on the door so, if you get too comfortable, I guess you can probably miss a beat.

"Maybe it was a reality check. I went away and worked really hard and, luckily, I have seen some rewards."

Cooper, who cracked 15 fours and four sixes, and Lehmann made light work of the final-day run chase.

The Redbacks capitalised on misfortune to the Bulls, who lost fast bowler Mark Steketee on day one because of a side strain.

"It certainly makes it hard when you lose your strike bowler on day one," Queensland captain Joe Burns said.

"It's a combination of us getting tired and them batting very well in that fourth day - we just couldn't break that partnership.

"They are two very good batters. We tried a lot of different plans and I thought the bowlers bowled quite well ... we will walk away from it very frustrated but very proud of the effort."

DAY THREE REPORT

The crucial Sheffield Shield match between South Australia and Queensland at Adelaide Oval is set for a tense finale after an action-packed day three.

South Australia will resume on Tuesday at 4-158, still 121 runs away of victory. The winner will jump into second spot on the Shield ladder with two rounds remaining.

After two successive home defeats, SA's hopes will largely rest on Jake Lehmann (43 not out) and Tom Cooper (38 not out).

The Redbacks' last two recognised batsman have rescued their side from a parlous 4-92, to put on a tense unbeaten stand of 66 for the fifth wicket.

Earlier on Monday, Australian limited overs leg-spinner Adam Zampa took career best match figures of 10-119.

Zampa claimed 4-57 as Queensland were bowled out for 216 in their second innings.

It could have been much worse for the Bulls but rookie wicketkeeper Jimmy Peirson hit an invaluable 71 batting at No.7.

Queensland allrounder Jack Wildermuth (51) also struck a half-century to give the visitors something to bowl at in the fourth-innings.