Bulls close in on big Shield win

The West End Redbacks need a miracle if they are to save their JLT Sheffield Shield match against Queensland at the Adelaide Oval after the Bulls dominated day three.

Set a mammoth 466 to win, the Redbacks limped their way to 4-82 at stumps, still trailing by 383 runs, with skipper Travis Head (14no) and nightwatchman Joe Mennie (2no) at the crease.

Victory for Queensland would give them a healthy lead at the Shield summit heading into the final two rounds.

Queensland, who boasted a 180-run lead on the first innings, recommenced at 2-75 and advanced to 8-285 before declaring at tea.

There were strong contributions with both bat and ball from numerous players for Queensland.

Marnus Labuschagne top-scored with a watchful 62 off 144 balls, while wicketkeeper Jimmy Peirson contributed 51 not out down the order.

All nine batsman who went to the crease reached double figures in an unusual-looking scorecard for Queensland.

Rookie Nick Winter was again the pick of the SA bowlers returning 3-55 in an attack that struggled for penetration.

In reply, South Australia put on 51 for the opening wicket but hopes of building on that platform were soon dashed.

Openers John Dalton (23) and Jake Weatherald (28) were followed back to the pavilion by key man Callum Ferguson as SA lost 3-6.

Jake Lehmann was out just before stumps, caught at the wicket off Brendan Doggett (2-27).

SOUTH AUSTRALIA: Jake Weatherald, John Dalton, Callum Ferguson, Travis Head (c), Jake Lehmann, Tom Cooper, Alex Carey, Joe Mennie, Adam Zampa, Dan Worrall, Nick Winter

QUEENSLAND: Lachlan Pfeffer, Matthew Renshaw, Marnus Labuschagne, Charlie Hemphrey, Sam Heazlett, Jack Wildermuth, James Peirson (c), Michael Neser, Mitch Swepson, Brendan Doggett, Luke Feldman. Mark Steketee (12th).