Aussie Test stars witness a stunning Shield collapse as the son of a gun makes a statement - LIVE
The Gabba witnessed a dramatic turn of events as Queensland suffered a stunning defeat against South Australia, a result that could significantly impact their chances of securing a Sheffield Shield final spot.
Queensland's second innings crumbled, with six wickets falling for just 8 runs, resulting in a 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 minimally, 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 of the order, with Test batters Usman Khawaja (4) and Marnus Labuschagne (2) dismissed cheaply. 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 within 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, though not as drastically as Queensland's. Western Australia was dismissed for 238 in reply to Victoria's 9/431 declared.
Opener Sam Fanning top-scored for the hosts with 99, falling caught behind off Fergus O'Neill after a juggling effort from first innings centurion Sam Harper. Fast bowler Sam Elliott claimed his third five-wicket haul of the summer, taking 5/75 from 15.2 overs.
The 26-year-old, son of former Australian opening batter Matthew Elliott, is having a remarkable campaign with the red Kookaburra, taking 28 wickets at an average of 13.75 and a strike rate of 28.96 in five matches.
Victorian skipper Will Sutherland, who scored an unbeaten century in the first innings, picked up 2/33, while Test star Scott Boland took 2/27 from 13 overs. Victoria were 1/49 at lunch, with opener Campbell Kellaway dismissed for 20.
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 the day's play, as Jack Edwards was substituted out with a hamstring injury, replaced by young quick Charlie Anderson, making his first-class debut.
Tasmania also made a change, substituting Gabe Bell for Aiden O'Connor, who immediately made an impact by dismissing Joel Davies (4) in the first over of the day. Tasmania were all out for 136 in their first innings, with Liam Hatcher (5/51) doing the bulk of the damage.
