Western Australia (WA) defeated Queensland by an innings and 12 runs, reviving their Sheffield Shield campaign and climbing from last to third place. WA’s Sam Fanning scored 95 runs, while their bowlers excelled, notably Lance Morris, who took 4-34 in Queensland’s first innings and 3-35 in the second innings. Queensland was bowled out for 147 and 153, with Corey Rocchiccioli shining for Queensland with 7-52 in the first innings. WA aims for their fourth consecutive Sheffield Shield, facing NSW and Victoria in upcoming matches, while Queensland will play away against Tasmania and South Australia.
Western Australia 312 (Fanning 95, Whiteman 67, Neser 4-34) defeated Queensland 147 (Rocchiccioli 7-52) and 153 (Morris 3-35) by an innings and 12 runs
The reigning champions, Western Australia, have reignited their pursuit of Sheffield Shield glory, overpowering Queensland by an innings and 12 runs, climbing from the bottom to third place on the ladder.
WA, aiming to be the first state to secure four consecutive shields since Tasmania joined the competition in 1977-78, began this match at the bottom of the ladder. They moved up to third position as NSW (32.87) claimed second place following their victory over Victoria, while Queensland (28.45) dropped from third to fifth.
The victory came just 11 days after WA suffered a disappointing defeat to SA at home, where they were bowled out for scores of 120 and 66, resulting in a six-wicket loss.
Captain Sam Whiteman reflected, “We had a good moment of reflection … but talk can only go so far. It’s rewarding to put our plans into action and perform effectively with both bat and ball – winning at the Gabba is challenging. This gives us a strong platform as we head back home for the final two games.”
Morris made quick work of Queensland’s lower order and was on the brink of a hat-trick after dismissing Xavier Bartlett and bowling Mark Steketee for a golden duck. Unfortunately, he missed the hat-trick attempt, sending a delivery wildly down the leg side to Mitch Swepson.
In their second innings, Queensland’s batters struggled again, with Ben McDermott and Lachlan Hearne being the top scorers, both making 33 runs. Only Angus Lovell, his opening partner Matt Renshaw, and Michael Neser managed to reach double figures.
Morris finished with figures of 3 for 35 from 13 overs and also accounted for McDermott, who fell victim to a short ball that reared up, leading to an edge to wicketkeeper Joel Curtis.
Rocchiccioli concluded with impressive match figures of 9 for 79, while pacemen Joel Paris and Cameron Gannon also made significant contributions with multiple wickets in the second innings.
“It’s fantastic for him to secure his first 5-for,” Whiteman remarked. “He’s taken over 100 Shield wickets without achieving a five-for, so to end with nine for the match is remarkable. He’s invaluable for us, especially on day one when the ball is spinning.”
Following this round, all states have two matches left before the final. WA is set to host NSW from March 6 and Victoria from March 15 at the WACA Ground in Perth.
Queensland’s remaining fixtures will be on the road, facing Tasmania at Bellerive Oval and South Australia at Karen Rolton Oval on the same dates.