Hunt's Century Anchors South Australia, but Queensland Fight Back Late
Queensland, captained by Marnus Labuschagne, made the decision to bowl first but failed to make early breakthroughs. McInerney and Hunt combined to add 106 runs at a slow pace, but McInerney was eventually dismissed by Michael Neser, caught behind for 51.
South Australia 289 for 7 (Hunt 130*, McInerney 51, Whitney 3-51) vs Queensland
Opener Henry Hunt batted through the day to score an unbeaten 130, helping South Australia reach 289 for 7 on day one of their Sheffield Shield match against Queensland in Brisbane. Hunt's composed century held the innings together, but a late fightback by Queensland, led by debutant pacer Tom Whitney, ensured an even contest.
Hunt's ninth first-class century came off 236 balls in a patient knock, brought up with a six. He was the backbone of South Australia's batting effort, sharing a century opening stand with Conor McInerney, who made 51. However, after a steady start, the visitors lost 4 for 24 in the final session as Queensland's bowlers took advantage of the new ball.
Queensland, captained by Marnus Labuschagne, made the decision to bowl first but failed to make early breakthroughs. McInerney and Hunt combined to add 106 runs at a slow pace, but McInerney was eventually dismissed by Michael Neser, caught behind for 51.
Whitney, playing in his debut match, had an immediate impact, claiming his first two wickets in quick succession. He bowled Daniel Drew for a duck and dismissed South Australia captain Nathan McSweeney for 37. Whitney finished the day as Queensland's best bowler, with figures of 3 for 51.
After tea, Alex Carey brought some much-needed momentum to South Australia's innings with a confident 42 off 63 balls. However, his dismissal, caught off Neser's new-ball delivery, sparked a collapse. Mark Steketee soon followed up with the wicket of Jake Lehmann, who was out for a second-ball duck. Steketee also bowled Liam Scott for 9, while Whitney removed Ben Manenti for 7 as South Australia stumbled late in the day.
Despite the late flurry of wickets, Hunt remained unbeaten and will look to extend South Australia's total on day two. Queensland, meanwhile, will be buoyed by their late fightback and will aim to wrap up the innings early to gain an advantage.
