Bulls take control of Pura Cup match against Redbacks

BRISBANE, Jan 21 AAP - Makeshift opener Clinton Perren posted the highest Pura Cup score of the season today as Queensland left South Australia struggling to avoid defeat at the Gabba.

At stumps on the third day, South Australia was 2-46 in its second innings in pursuit of a victory target of 409.

The Redbacks lost openers Ben Johnson (seven) and David Fitzgerald (nought from 34 balls) during a 22-over stint before stumps as they tried to repair the damage inflicted by Perren.

The right-hander scored 224 - the 10th highest total by a Queenslander in an interstate match - as the Bulls surged to 8-487 declared in their second innings.

Perren batted for 501 minutes, justifying the decision of selectors to promote him to the opening spot vacated by Australian one-day players Matthew Hayden and Jimmy Maher.

With Stuart Law (72) and Wade Seccombe (70) posting half-centuries, the Bulls continued the fightback which seemed unlikely when they crashed for 129 on the first day.

South Australia claimed first-innings points but the visitors finished the day in desperate trouble, plenty of hope riding with captain Greg Blewett (21 not out), who has made centuries in his last two first-class matches at the Gabba.

Johnson fell to Joe Dawes (1-19) before Fitzgerald was given out LBW to Adam Dale (1-11) without playing a shot.

The Gabba wicket held up well for batting but the Redbacks' confidence won't be boosted by some low bounce late on the third day.