Fast bowlers dominated the Sheffield Shield final between Queensland and South Australia’s opening day at Karen Rolton Oval, making for a fantastic event. With blazing bursts, Brendan Doggett and young wonder Callum Vidler stole the show, leaving the match exactly balanced with a startling 16 wickets. Cricket fans followed the intense action closely, with many using the Bpexch App to stay updated on live scores and match highlights.
Queensland’s Destruction: Doggett’s collapse for 95
With a remarkable 6 for 31, Brendan Doggett had a career-best performance, tearing through Queensland’s batting line. Bowl Queensland out for just 95, the lowest first-innings total in Sheffield Shield final history, thanks partly to his blistering spell.
Previously claiming a five-wicket haul in the 2017-18 final, Doggett became only the tenth bowler to capture several five-wicket hauls in Shield finals. His persistent speed and swing proved too much for Queensland’s batters, who battled on a seam-friendly surface.
Early Years of Conflict for Queensland
The Queensland bat-first backfire was instantaneous. Their most experienced batter, Usman Khawaja, survived two dropped catches before eventually succumbing for just two from 28 balls, caught off a short ball from Doggett.
The removal of Marnus Labuschagne for a duck aggravated Queensland’s problems. He was caught at leg gully the very next ball as an inside edge barely missed the stumps. Jack Clayton’s unusual run-out captured Queensland’s terrible start, leaving them reeling at 16 for 3. Middle-Order Meltdown
A late replacement for Matthew Renshaw, Angus Lovell battled valiantly but finally got caught behind Doggett. Queensland fell shortly after Ben McDermott chipped an essential catch to mid-on, despite a fleeting fightback from Michael Neser (31) and Jimmy Peirson (15).
As Mark Steketee holed out, Doggett’s unrelenting assault persisted as he cleared Mitchell Swepson and finished the innings. Apart from being the lowest in a Shield final, Queensland’s score of 95 ranked third in Shield history.
Heroics by Vidler Save Queensland Live
In the first session, Doggett stole the headlines; 19-year-old Callum Vidler announced himself with an excellent quick bowling spell. Vidler kept Queensland in the game by displaying raw pace, swing, and pinpoint accuracy in his just third first-class game to collect 4 for 33.
A Cummins-Esque is an innovative
Vidler’s performance brought back memories of a young Pat Cummins, a 17-year-old newcomer who exploded into the scene in the 2011 Shield final. Vidler bowled 11 consecutive dot balls to Henry Hunt before eventually producing an edge to third slip. His opening delivery was terrific.
Nathan McSweeney, who stole a lovely outswinger with Jimmy Peirson making a fantastic diving catch, became his next victim. Vidler’s stats at one point read an excellent five overs, four maidens, two for two.
Late Oppression from South Australia
Though Vidler was brilliant, South Australia resisted. Alex Carey (24) and Conor McInerney (38) counterattacked, but Vidler returned to dismiss both, including a quick delivery that saw Carey chop onto his stumps.
Then Jake Lehmann (42%) and Ben Manenti (36%) anchored the innings with an undefeated 45-run stand, guiding South Australia to 158 for six at stumps—a vital lead of 63.
Important lessons learned on Day One
- The Masterclass presented by Brendan Doggett His six for thirty-one destroyed Queensland and placed South Australia in charge.
- The blazing spell of 19-year-old Callum Vidler established he is among Australia’s most promising fast-bowling talents.
- Batting woes in Queensland: Neser provided resistance, and their choice to bat first backfired miserably.
- Advantage for South Australia: Lehmann and Manenti’s alliance gives them a minor edge going into Day Two.
What is next?
The game stays softly poised, with South Australia leading by 63 runs and four wickets in hand. Should Vidler and Queensland’s onslaught hit early on Day Two, they could still be fighting their way back. But another strong alliance between Lehmann and Manenti might propel the game outside Queensland’s grasp.