Johnson stars with seven to keep Queensland's lead in check
SA quick took a career-best 7 for 47 but Queensland captain Peirson made a brilliant 90 to help the home side edge ahead
AAP and ESPNCricinfo staff
03-Mar-2023
Spencer Johnson appeals for a wicket • Getty Images
South Australia 272 (Manenti 88, Lehmann 65, Neser 3-60, Bartlett 3-54) & 8 for 0 trail Queensland 290 (Peirson 90, Johnson 7-47) trail by 10 runs
Exciting left-arm quick Spencer Johnson took a stunning career-best 7 for 49 while Queensland captain Jimmy Peirson has come to the rescue for the second time in a week as his side recovered to collect a slim 18-run first-innings lead over South Australia at the Gabba.
Peirson earned player of the match honours with a century last week against New South Wales, and this time a counter-attacking 90 helped Queensland reach 290 in response to South Australia's 272. The skipper's innings was even more impressive in the face of Johnson's exceptional performance. In just his second first-class outing he scythed through some of his Brisbane Heat BBL team-mates to finish with seven wickets having taking 6 for 87 on Sheffield Shield debut a fortnight ago against Victoria.
South Australia survived four tricky overs late in the day to reach 8 for 0.
Peirson came to the crease with the Bulls struggling at 99 for 5, but his 150-ball 90 featuring 11 boundaries - along with contributions from Max Byrant and Michael Neser - helped revive the home side despite Johnson taking seven of the final eight wickets for the innings.
After a very slow first session, a steady flow of runs saw Queensland earn enough batting bonus points to edge into second on the table in the event both they and Victoria earn victories in this round.
South Australia must win in Brisbane to have any chance of reaching the Shield final. South Australia's attack was without Wes Agar, with the Shield's leading wicket-taker rested ahead of next week's One-Day Cup final.