Tasmania collapse gives Queensland slim chance of win

A startling collapse from Tasmania has given Queensland a slim chance of a remarkable comeback at the Gabba after five wickets from Jackson Bird had earlier put the Tigers in control.

Queensland began the third day at 5 for 74 in its first innings and Nathan McSweeney and Jimmy Peirson compiled a 60-run stand before Simon Milenko made the breakthrough, removing the debutant McSweeney for 35. Tom Rogers claimed Peirson shortly after and Bird cleaned up the tail to claim his 13th five-wicket haul in first-class cricket.

Tasmania started their second innings with a lead of 207 but lost their first four wickets for 36 with Mark Steketee bagging three of them. George Bailey fell to a stunning catch from McSweeney at cover. Jake Doran was then run out by a direct hit from Sam Heazlett after the batsman collided with his partner Matthew Wade while running a quick single.

The Tigers wicketkeeper held the bottom half of the innings together with his second half-century in the match. But Mitchell Swepson claimed 3 for 17 to wrap up the innings and leave Queensland needing 340 for an unlikely victory.

The chase started poorly though with Sam Truloff bowled third ball by Bird. Joe Burns nicked Gabe Bell behind in the third last over the day. The Bulls need 311 runs to win on the final day with eight wickets in hand.