Lightning strikes as WA skittle Queensland in Perth

Western Australia's bid for a hat-trick of Marsh Sheffield Shield titles is back on track after producing a sizzling bowling display against Queensland at the WACA Ground.

In reply to WA's competitive 310, Queensland were skittled for 170 in 54.5 overs in overcast and windy conditions on Saturday.

WA reached 0-16 in their second innings before nearby lightning forced players off the ground late in the day.

Play was eventually called off due to the poor weather, with a 10am (WST) start time called for Sunday.

It capped a stop-start day in which rain interrupted play several times as the Bulls slumped to 4-54 and 7-108 in the tricky conditions.

Spinner Corey Rocchiccioli (4-54) played a key role in cleaning up the tail, while Joel Paris continued his hot form with figures of 2-15 off 12 overs.

Charlie Stobo (2-33) and Cameron Gannon (2-23) were also among the wickets.

WA had slipped to third spot on the ladder after posting two draws and a loss from their previous three Shield encounters.

But with second-placed Victoria on track for defeat against ladder leaders Tasmania, WA now have an excellent chance to soar into second spot ahead of the final round.

The Warriors take on Victoria at Junction Oval in the final round, meaning their fate will be in their own hands if they can secure victory against the Bulls.

Cameron Bancroft (10no) and Sam Whiteman (6no) will be aiming to form a big second-innings partnership when play resumes on Sunday.

Queensland's top order struggled in the overcast conditions, with Paris snaring the breakthrough when he found the edge of Bryce Street for a 14-ball duck.

Gannon produced the highlight of the day when he pulled off a diving one-handed catch off his own bowling to dismiss Angus Lovell (15).

Jack Clayton (36), Jimmy Peirson (23) and Jack Wildermuth (41) all made starts, but none was able to go on with the job as wickets fell at regular intervals.

Queensland added 46 runs for their last two wickets, but WA are well and truly in the box seat with a lead of 156 and 10 wickets still in hand.

Sheffield Shield 2023-24 standings

Team	Matches played M	Wins W	Losses L	Drawn D	No results N/R	Deductions Ded.	Batting Bonus Bat	Bowling Bonus Bowl	Total points PTS
1 Western Australia Men WA	10	5	2	3	0	0	5.53	9.4	47.93
2 Tasmanian Tigers Men TAS	10	5	2	3	0	0	6.06	8.3	47.36
3 NSW Men NSW	10	4	3	3	0	0	6.31	9	42.31
4 Victoria Men VIC	10	4	4	2	0	0	4.74	8.2	38.94
5 South Australia Men SA	10	3	6	1	0	0	5.19	9.3	33.49
6 Queensland Bulls QLD	10	2	6	2	0	0	3.54	8.3	25.84

Legend

M: Matches played

W: Wins

L: Losses

D: Drawn

N/R: No results

Ded.: Deductions

Bat: Batting Bonus

Bowl: Bowling Bonus

PTS: Total points