On day three of the Sheffield Shield final, fast bowler Brendan Doggett of South Australia showcased his talents by achieving a remarkable 10-wicket haul. Despite Doggett’s heroics, Queensland’s Jack Clayton and Jack Wildermuth produced centuries to invigorate their team’s chances of victory.
Following their innings, Queensland was bowled out for 445 late on day three, establishing a solid lead of 269 runs. South Australia, facing a daunting target of 270 runs for victory, will resume their innings on day four with openers Conor McInerney and Henry Hunt at the crease.
South Australia is eyeing a long-awaited Sheffield Shield title, having gone 29 years without securing the championship. Doggett recorded six wickets in the first innings and then snatched key scalps in the second, including prominent players like Marnus Labuschagne, Usman Khawaja, and wicketkeeper Jimmy Peirson, to mark his first 10-wicket performance in first-class cricket. His pivotal LBW of Peirson came when Queensland were struggling at five wickets down, leading by a mere 16 runs.
Clayton, who began the day with 41 runs, went on to score a century off 249 balls, giving Queensland a significant lead. His innings concluded when he was dismissed for 100, with Queensland’s lead extending to 148 at the time. Wildermuth further bolstered the team’s efforts by smashing a century off just 118 balls, ensuring Queensland was seven down and leading by 226 runs when he reached the milestone, celebrating with a heartwarming gesture in honour of his daughters.
Wildermuth eventually fell for 111, bowled by Nathan McAndrew. His recent form also included a prior innings of 104 against South Australia, demonstrating his prowess with the bat. In addition, Queensland’s Mark Steketee, batting at number nine, added a frustrating 51 runs for the side.
Clayton’s century was particularly impressive given his earlier golden duck in the first innings, where he was run out after a misguided run attempt. Labuschagne contributed a handy 61 runs, enhancing his chances for World Test Championship selection, while Khawaja’s week continued to be challenging with another low score of 21, following a dismal showing in the first innings.
As the match heads into its final stages, South Australia must be resilient in their chase for 270 to potentially end their lengthy title drought.