A nervy 4th innings chase awaits South Australia, as the prospect of breaking a 29-year Shield drought is dented by an enthused Queensland batting line-up.
South Australia will be chasing 270 to win the 2024/25 Sheffield Shield, after the Queensland visitors bounced back to take full advantage of a flattening batting surface.
The hosts played a secondary role for a majority of the third day of the Sheffield Shield Final, with the day mostly belonging to their northern adversaries.
A positive intent by Queensland giving much needed life to a match whose result seemed etch in stone after a first innings collapse.
Brendan Doggett (5-109) was the highlight of the day for the embattled hosts, with two early LBW wickets bringing up a maiden First Class 10-wicket haul and finishing with the best ever figures in a Sheffield Shield Final.
Sensing the possibility of an early finish, patrons flocked in post lunch, desperate to be a part of a long sort after victory for the South Australian cricketing community.
Instead, the event seekers were meet with the same defiance now facing their bowlers, as Jack Clayton (100) and Jack Wildermuth (111) pushed their team total into dangerous territories.
The crowd eventually got a taste of what they were after, with cult hero Ben Manenti (1-38) spinning his magic to dismiss Clayton soon after his hundred.
However, defiance remained despite the effort of the South Australian bowlers.
With a loving mural to South Australian Legend David Hookes looking over proceedings, the hosts sought to refocus and make the most of tough bowling conditions.
Nathan McAndrew (3-106) proved once more to be the heart of the team, smashing into Wildermuth's stumps to lift the South Australian crowd.
A return to the bowling crease for Doggett broke the backend of Queensland's innings, bringing up a second 5fa for the match.
The fight between the South Australia and Queensland will extend into the weekend, with the promise of an exciting finish ahead to determine the winner of the 2024/25 Sheffield Shield.
Play will resume from 10:35am tomorrow at Karen Rolton Oval.
Please note: additional food and beverage facilities will be made available on Day Four