Blewett, Deitz produce stunning recovery

The forgotten man when it comes to Test selection perhaps, but certainly still a vital cog in the South Australian batting line-up. At a time of crisis, Greg Blewett (123*) has formed one half of a double act that inspired a remarkable recovery from the Redbacks on the third day of the Pura Cup clash against Queensland at the 'Gabba ground in Brisbane.

Along with the rapidly maturing Shane Deitz (106), the twenty-nine year old played an innings of tremendous discipline and responsibility as the South Australians attempted to wipe out the ignominious 252 run first innings deficit that had forced them to follow-on shortly into today's play.

The pair fashioned a record 230 run partnership that rearranged the look of a game that had previously appeared destined to fall decisively in Queensland's favour. With a combination of grafting defence and adroit punishment of loose deliveries, Blewett chalked up his twenty-eighth first-class century and Deitz his second. Prior to their intervention, the Redbacks were in peril at 1/1 after losing opener David Fitzgerald (1) as they attempted to recover from the horror of being bowled out for 126 in their first innings.

The second-wicket stand between Blewett and Deitz was so productive that it broke the previous all-time first-class best for South Australia against Queensland - the partnership of 191 between Victor Richardson and Roy Lonergan in the 1931-32 season. Even more worryingly for the Bulls, it wasn't until the shadows of the stumps that they were finally able to broke the association. Although the wicket of nightwatchman Brett Swain (1) was also taken shortly thereafter, it leaves the home team with the difficult task of not only trying to claim another seven scalps tomorrow but to try and limit their opponents' lead all the while.

As things stand at stumps, the South Australians trail by only nine runs overall. And, with the pitch playing possibly as well as it has at any time in the match, their prospects of further improving their position tomorrow look encouraging.

"Today I felt like the old Greg Blewett ... I felt like I'm where I want to be (with my batting)," said Blewett.

"At this stage I'm not really thinking about playing for Australia (again). This season my goal is trying to have a good year with South Australia."

Over close to five hours together, Blewett and Deitz survived three chances. At 34, the former endured an imploring caught behind appeal off the bowling of paceman Lee Carseldine (0/37), while Deitz was dropped twice - by Joe Dawes at fine leg on 81 and then again at 84 as Queensland captain Stuart Law failed to hold an extremely hot chance at mid wicket.

For Law's part, he still feels confident about the possibility of crashing through the Redbacks' middle and lower order a second time.

"The new ball is fresh and our bowlers will be fresher," enthused the Bulls' skipper about the outlook going into the fourth and final morning.

"Six points would be nice - we're normally way out in front (on the Pura Cup table) after Christmas - but now we've got to come home with a wet sail," he added.

Doubtless, he will be hoping that Blewett, for one, does not hang around much longer.