Symonds and Watson prop up Queensland

Queensland 8 for 302 (Symonds 62, Watson 60, Dorey 3-28) v Western Australia
Scorecard

Useful middle-order contributions from Andrew Symonds and Shane Watson boosted Queensland as they made 8 for 302 when bad light brought an early end to play on the opening day of their Pura Cup match against Western Australia at Brisbane. Symonds made 62 and Watson got 60, while James Hopes (41) and Wade Seccombe (35 not out) chipped in handily as well.

For Western Australia, Brett Dorey was the most successful bowler, nailing Jimmy Maher and Clinton Perren, the openers, and Watson. He took 3 for 28 before breaking down with a side strain to become the second bowling casualty for the Warriors - Brad Williams had earlier left the field due to stomach cramps, but he returned late in the last session. Dorey, though, has been ruled out of taking further bowling duties in the match, and will only bat if required by the team.

Maher, the Queensland captain, was fairly satisfied with the day's play - his team only needs to secure first-innings points to get the opportunity to host the final, while Western Australia need an outright victory. "Hopefully we can bat for a fair bit longer tomorrow first, score a few more runs and bowl them out reasonably quickly," Maher said, looking ahead to the action tomorrow. "It's a pretty even ball game really."

He did, however, express his surprise at Western Australia's line-up, and the exclusion of Brad Hogg. "I can't believe that a bloke who plays one-day cricket for Australia can't play for his state. That's just amazing."