Former Test opener's maiden first-class double century and an adventurous declaration have set up an intriguing finish to Cairns' first Shield game
Joe's double Burns Redbacks in tropics
A maiden double century from Joe Burns has given fresh life to Queensland's hopes in their JLT Sheffield Shield match against South Australia in Cairns.
Burns carved out a magnificent career-best 202 not out as the Bulls fought back in unlikely fashion on day three.
Queensland were able to declare their innings at 5-389, a deficit of 96 runs.
At the close South Australia had reached 2-59 setting up a potentially thrilling final day in a match which seemed out of Queensland's reach at the midway point.
Queensland recommenced at 4-123 looking at a potentially massive first-innings deficit, however Burns and Jack Wildermuth (56) began to rebuild by adding 104 for the fifth wicket.
Young captain Jimmy Peirson continued the fightback with a steady knock of 82 not out and contributing to an unbroken 186-run stand for the sixth wicket.
Burns upped the ante after passing 150 eventually hitting 15 fours and four sixes to surpass his previous highest first-class score of 170.
South Australia XI: Head (c), Weatherald, Dalton, Ferguson, Lehmann, Cooper, Carey, Mennie, Zampa, Sayers, Grant%E2%80%94 cricket.com.au (@CricketAus) December 2, 2017
Queensland XI: Peirson (c), Renshaw, Burns, Labuschagne, Hemphrey, Heazlett, Wildermuth, Gannon, Rimmington, Steketee, Swepson%E2%80%94 cricket.com.au (@CricketAus) December 3, 2017