Hauritz heroics give Queensland the points

Western Australia 427 for 9 and 148 for 2 (Langer 88*, Goodwin 5*) v Queensland 434 (Hauritz 94)
Scorecard

Nathan Hauritz fell six runs short of his maiden first-class century, as Queensland clambered to a first-innings lead against Western Australia at Perth. Hauritz, whose previous highest score was 41, batted for nearly four hours and added 134 for the eighth wicket with Ashley Noffke. But by the close, WA had marched onto 148 for 2, with Justin Langer reaching the close on 88 not out.

Queensland had resumed the day in some strife at 280 for 7, and it took Hauritz 38 minutes and 35 balls to get off the mark. He enjoyed some luck as well, as Michael Hussey dropped a hot chance in slips when he was on 12. But the pair grew in confidence, and were closing in on the first-innings points when Beau Casson struck twice in quick succession to complete his five-wicket haul.

But Hauritz kept his cool with Joe Dawes for company, and was looking set for a hundred when he was cruelly adjudged lbw to a delivery that appeared to be heading down the leg side. Hauritz's previous best of 41 had come on his Pura Cup debut against Victoria in 2001-02. He had not scored more than 20 in any of his subsequent outings.

Buoyed by their unexpected batting success, Queensland removed the dangerous Mike Hussey in the 15th over. Hauritz then got in on the act with the ball as well, as Chris Rogers was caught behind for 34, slashing wildly at a wide delivery. But Langer was unmoved, and by the close, he was grinding ever closer to his fourth first-class century of the season.