South Australia seized the upper hand in a thrilling opening day of the Sheffield Shield final against Queensland at Karen Rolton Oval. Brendan Doggett’s exceptional six-wicket haul dismantled Queensland for just 95—the lowest first-innings total in Shield final history—while 19-year-old Callum Vidler’s four wickets kept South Australia from running away with the game. At stumps, South Australia were 158 for 6, leading by 63 runs after an intense day that saw 16 wickets fall.
Doggett’s Destructive Spell
Brendan Doggett delivered a career-best performance in Shield cricket, claiming 6 for 31 to tear through Queensland’s batting lineup. His spell marked his second five-wicket haul in a Shield final, having achieved the feat previously during the 2017-18 decider while playing for Queensland. Doggett also became just the 10th bowler to secure multiple five-wicket hauls in Shield final history.
Queensland’s decision to bat first backfired as Doggett exploited favorable bowling conditions. Usman Khawaja endured a difficult stay at the crease, scoring just 2 from 28 deliveries before pulling a short ball to fine leg. Marnus Labuschagne followed shortly after, falling for a seven-ball duck when he gloved a delivery to leg gully. A disastrous run-out compounded Queensland’s problems, with Jack Clayton being caught short after a mix-up with opener Angus Lovell.
Queensland slipped from 16 for 3 to 22 for 5, with Doggett and Nathan McAndrew applying relentless pressure. Michael Neser and Jimmy Peirson briefly resisted, adding 46 runs to push the total past lunch. However, Doggett struck twice in quick succession, trapping Peirson lbw before having Neser caught at first slip. He wrapped up the innings by removing Mitchell Swepson and Mark Steketee, ensuring Queensland posted a meager 95.
Vidler Strikes Back for Queensland
Callum Vidler, making just his third first-class appearance, spearheaded Queensland’s response with a blistering spell of 4 for 33. Opening the bowling ahead of more experienced teammates, Vidler immediately made an impact. He removed Henry Hunt for a duck, drawing an edge to third slip after a probing spell of 11 consecutive dot balls.
Vidler’s high pace and late swing continued to trouble South Australia’s batters. He dismissed captain Nathan McSweeney with a delivery that angled in before moving away, inducing an edge that was brilliantly caught by Peirson. At one point, Vidler’s figures stood at 2 for 2 from five overs, reflecting his dominance.
Despite Vidler’s heroics, opener Conor McInerney provided resistance for South Australia with a gritty 38. He survived multiple chances and, alongside Alex Carey, counter-attacked to steady the innings. Carey struck a quick-fire 24, including a six, before Vidler returned to remove him, as well as Liam Scott, who gloved a short ball down the leg side.
Lehmann and Manenti Steady South Australia
When Vidler began to tire, Jake Lehmann and Ben Manenti took advantage. Lehmann, continuing his excellent form, reached 42 not out by the end of the day. He was supported by Manenti, who struck a composed 36 not out, including a powerful pull for six. The pair added an unbeaten 45-run partnership to take South Australia to 158 for 6 at stumps, giving them a crucial 63-run lead.
The Road Ahead
With bonus points playing a decisive role if the match ends in a draw, South Australia’s first-innings lead is invaluable. Batting teams earn 0.01 points for every run above 200 in the first 100 overs, while bowling sides gain 0.1 points per wicket. If points are tied, South Australia will claim the title due to finishing on top of the regular-season standings.
As the match heads into day two, South Australia will aim to extend their lead and put Queensland under further pressure. Meanwhile, Queensland will look to their bowlers—particularly Vidler—to strike early and keep their hopes alive in this tightly contested final.
