Queensland top order does job against WA

Joel Gould | December 2, 2022

Queensland were able to declare at 6-295 just before stumps on day two of the Sheffield Shield clash with Western Australia at the Gabba after the top three all made accomplished fifties.

Bulls openers Matthew Renshaw (54) and Joe Burns (72) put on 116 together before No.3 Bryce Street top-scored with 85.

Queensland captain Jimmy Peirson declared leaving Western Australia to face four overs before the close, which they negotiated to be 0-18 at stumps.

Renshaw had plenty on his mind when he went out to bat on Friday morning with wife Josie set to give birth to the couple’s first child.

“She is full term now so she could do any day. It is just a waiting game,” Renshaw told AAP.

“I’m trying to tell her not to go until Monday but unfortunately that is not how things work. Hopefully we can try and get the win in this fixture first.

“It is just a really exciting time in my life.”

The first day’s play at the Gabba was washed out and Western Australia captain Sam Whiteman sent the Bulls in to bat after winning the toss.

Play started an hour early on Friday to make up for some of the lost playing time.

Western Australia left-armer Joel Paris (3-26 off 21) was the pick of the bowlers with his seam and immaculate line and length a feature.

Lance Morris (2-61) enhanced his reputation as the fastest bowler in Australia with a fiery spell after tea.

He struck Jack Clayton under the armpit with one lifter which threw the Bulls batter off-balance as he spun around and hit his wicket with his bat.

One Morris thunderbolt hit Street on the helmet and went for four leg byes and then he dismissed Peirson with another quick bouncer..

Paris, Morris, Matthew Kelly and Aaron Hardie tested the Bulls openers with probing early spells but Renshaw and Burns showed all of the experience and class that earned them Test cricket honours.

Both left the ball with aplomb and put away the bad deliveries.

Renshaw returned to the Bulls side after making 81 and 101no for the Prime Minister’s XI against the West Indies.

The left-hander is making a strong case for a recall to the Australia side. He was caught at mid-wicket trying to up the ante but the manner of his innings showcased his calm temperament and grit.

Left-hander Street impressed with his composure before opening up late in his innings.