Bulls' finals hopes fade as Shield clash ends in draw

Queensland and South Australia have settled for a draw at the Gabba, with both sides unable to force a result in a shortened three-day contest.

It wasn't through lack of trying as both teams – who have now drawn their past two Marsh Sheffield Shield matches each – threw the willow at various times throughout the final day, but ultimately there wasn't enough time in the game on a decent batting surface.

The draw means Queensland – last year's champions – remain in fifth spot and are effectively out of the race for the Shield final later this month, as they would need to win their last match of the season against Tasmania in about a fortnight and score truckloads of first innings bonus points while hoping other results fall their way.

South Australia sit last on the table, still winless in their past 17 Shield matches, although seven of their past nine have been draws.

The final day started with Jake Lehmann posting his eighth first-class century as he batted South Australia back into the contest across the previous evening.

Resuming on 76, with his side 5-185, the left-hander lost his overnight partner Harry Nielsen (16) in the second over of the day and he was quickly followed by Liam Scott for a duck four balls later.

But it didn't deter Lehmann who hit Gurinder Sandhu (3-64) for consecutive boundaries through cover and point respectively in the next over, as the Redbacks looked to put the foot down to try and force a result in the shortened contest due to flooding in Brisbane.

Fast bowler Nathan McAndrew chipped in with 29 as the pair reduced the host's first innings lead to less than 100.

Lehmann brought up his century with a pull shot to square leg for two but when he was out two overs later to a spectacular leg side catch by wicketkeeper Jimmy Peirson from the bowling of James Bazley (2-48) it signalled the end of the innings as SA acting captain Henry Hunt declared on 9-244.

Lehmann, who was playing his third Sheffield Shield match of the season and was recalled to the side in the absence of Australia representatives Travis Head and Alex Carey, said he was pleased to be able to take his opportunity.

"It's always important to grab your opportunities when you get them, the game turns on you pretty fast, up and down, you've just got to keep enjoying your cricket and tyring to play the way you want to play," he said.

It was an aggressive start when Queensland batted for a second time with Joe Burns (27 off 22 balls) and Bryce Street (18) taking the score to 41 in nine overs as the Bulls pushed for a result to keep their season alive.

Both openers then fell off consecutive deliveries from paceman Scott (5-46), who claimed five of the first six wickets to finish with his maiden first-class five-wicket haul.

Matthew Renshaw (12 off 11 balls), first innings century-maker Jack Clayton (16), Max Bryant (6) and Peirson (6) all lost their wickets searching for quick runs as the Bulls slipped to 6-122.

Sam Truloff backed up his 80 in the Marsh One-Day Cup fixture against Victoria last week with a hard-hitting 64 – his highest first-class score.

His 86-ball knock, which included eight fours and a six, pushed Queensland's lead beyond 200 with Jack Wildermuth also adding 23 as the tail swung hard in search of quick runs.

Queensland was dismissed for 191 in their second innings when Sandhu skied a slog sweep off part-time off-spinner Nathan McSweeney, leaving South Australia 253 runs to win from 50 overs.

After losing the two early wickets of Hunt (10) and Jake Carder (11) in their second innings, the Redbacks showed no interest in trying to chase down the target set by Queensland, finishing 3-115 when the players shook hands with 13 overs left in the day.

Jake Weatherald was unbeaten on 60 while Daniel Drew was 15 not out.

South Australia play NSW at Karen Rolton Oval in their last match of the season, which begins on March 23.