Peirson and Bartlett Propel Queensland Towards First Shield Win

Jimmy Peirson’s spirited 82 and Mark Steketee’s unbeaten 48 have put Queensland in a strong position for their first Sheffield Shield victory of the summer against Victoria, following a chaotic day two at the MCG. With 15 wickets falling in the first two sessions, Queensland ended the day at 195 for 8 in their second innings, leading by 244 runs. Peirson’s innings, which ended just before stumps, featured a pivotal 119-run eighth-wicket stand with Steketee, a stark contrast to the rest of the day’s play. This partnership has left the low-scoring contest leaning in Queensland’s favor as they head into Sunday’s play.

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Peirson and Steketee Rally Queensland Amid MCG Chaos

Victoria, starting Saturday at 43 for 2, were dealt an early blow when Peter Handscomb edged Xavier Bartlett to Matt Renshaw at second slip in the first over. This set the tone for a tumultuous four hours, as Bartlett claimed 5 for 32 amid rain interruptions at the MCG. Victoria’s innings fell apart, with only Marcus Harris (42), Handscomb (24), and Tom Rogers (11) reaching double figures, all out for 123, handing Queensland a 49-run first-innings lead.

The drama continued in Queensland’s second innings as Fergus O’Neill struck twice in his first over, dismissing Bryce Street and Angus Lovell, and narrowly missing a third wicket with an lbw appeal. Matt Renshaw was in commanding form, but his innings was cut short when he was caught down legside off O’Neill, adding to Queensland’s struggles. Sam Elliott’s three quick wickets included a stunning one-handed catch by Jonathan Merlo at point to dismiss Ben McDermott.

By tea, Queensland were in dire straits at 67 for 7, with their first win of the season against table-topping Victoria hanging by a thread. Enter Jimmy Peirson. Peirson and Mark Steketee displayed composure amid the collapse, with Peirson driving with precision and punishing errors, even taking spinner Todd Murphy for two boundaries in an over. Steketee, meanwhile, struck four boundaries and cleared the long-on boundary for a six. Peirson’s late dismissal to Mitch Perry, caught in a stacked legside field, left Queensland with a slim lead, but their partnership had given them a glimmer of hope heading into the final session.

Konstas Leads Blues Through Wet Day at SCG

Teen Prodigy Sam Konstas Shines as NSW Navigates Wet Day at the SCG, Eyes Third Century of the Summer

Sam Konstas has steered New South Wales to a strong position, ending day two of their Sheffield Shield match against Western Australia at 137 for 1. After rain washed out the first five hours at the SCG, NSW faced a challenging 20-over session before stumps, during which they lost only one wicket—Blake Nikitaras, caught by Cameron Gannon off Lance Morris for 38.

Konstas, who was 80 not out at stumps, played a more cautious innings compared to his explosive 55 on Friday. He struck two boundaries behind point and used his footwork effectively to find another four off Corey Rocchiccoli. Late in the session, he offered a half-chance when he swept to deep square leg, but Brody Couch’s diving effort fell short. Nightwatchman Tanveer Sangha also saw out 28 deliveries after Nikitaras’ dismissal.

Konstas’ impressive form adds to a stellar season. Following a century against India’s Test-strength attack for the Prime Minister’s XI in Canberra and two Shield centuries against South Australia, the 19-year-old has made a compelling case for Test selection. With potential changes to Australia’s top order, a century on Sunday would strengthen his bid, positioning him as a prime candidate alongside Josh Inglis.

This round is the last Sheffield Shield match before the BBL break, meaning Konstas and other hopefuls won’t have another chance until February, by which time the Test team will be in Sri Lanka for a two-match series.