Jake Lehmann leads counterattack after Queensland make inroads

South Australia's Jake Lehmann hit a defiant half century to put the brakes on Queensland's hopes of an unlikely Sheffield Shield win at the Gabba.

With one day's play remaining in the rain-marred contest, South Australia were 5 for 185 in reply to the home side's 8 for 305.

With four sessions lost to Brisbane's big wet, a result for either side seemed unlikely at the start of the day. However, Queensland hit the accelerator to be able to declare before lunch having resumed at 4 for 158.

In reply, South Australia then faced the danger of being forced to follow-on when struggling at 4 for 52 only for Lehmann to launch a counter-attack and end the day unbeaten on 76.

With the new ball losing its shine, Lehmann played his shots wherever possible, hitting eight boundaries in a 143-ball innings. Lehmann enjoyed strong support from Daniel Drew (37) as the pair shared a 103-run stand for the fifth wicket.

Queensland's seam attack enjoyed success, making the perfect start with new captain Henry Hunt caught in the slips first ball off the bowling of Gurinder Sandhu.

Opener Jake Weatherald and No. 3 Jake Carder briefly revived the visitors' hopes only for the Redbacks to lose 3 for 6. Carder was brilliantly caught in the gully, one-handed above the head by Street.

Earlier in the day, Queensland skipper Jimmy Peirson cracked a hard-hitting 65 off just 45 deliveries to allow the declaration and take the game away from South Australia

Rookie Jack Clayton looked on track to repeat his century on debut a fortnight ago only to be sharply caught and bowled by Nathan McSweeney as he looked for quick runs.