Bulls batsman Joe Burns' sparkling 130 against South Australia at the Gabba on Friday helped boost Queensland's hopes of making the Sheffield Shield final.
Burns' knock pushed the Bulls' first innings total to 356, and an overall lead of 194 over the hapless Redbacks.
In a game the Bulls must win to be a chance of making the Shield final, South Australia was reeling at 1 for 12 in its second dig at stumps on day two.
Burns, 22, struck 15 fours and a six in five hours at the crease before being trapped in front by Redbacks standout Gary Putland, who grabbed career-best figures of 6 for 72.
Burns showed skill to notch his second Shield ton of the summer, but also poise.
He arrived at the crease with Queensland reeling at 2 for 12 on Thursday before sharing a 119-run third wicket stand with opener Alex Kemp (47) that ended early on Friday.
And when Putland sparked a mini-collapse of 3 for 17 to have the Bulls teetering at 5 for 148, Burns stepped up again to put on 120 with Chris Hartley (68).
Then again, Burns has made a habit of breaking South Australian hearts.
Last season, in similar circumstances, Burns struck an unbeaten 140 against South Australia, the third-highest score on first-class debut for a Queenslander.
Burns is now the sixth-highest Shield run-scorer for this summer with 745 runs at 43.82.
After his heroics on Friday, a wagging tail further frustrated the Redbacks.
Steve Magoffin (46 not out) and Alister McDermott (22) put on 54, equalled the record for a 10th-wicket stand by Queensland against South Australia at the Gabba.
Adding to South Australia's pain, Bulls skipper James Hopes trapped his counterpart Michael Klinger (3) in front as the visitors limped to stumps still trailing by 182 runs.
AAP
Tags: cricket, sport, brisbane-4000, qld, australia, sa First posted March 09, 2012 19:35:14
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