Maher leads the way for Queensland

Queensland 6 for 310 (Maher 148) v Tasmania
Scorecard

Jimmy Maher celebrates his hundred © Getty Images

A superb 148 from Jimmy Maher was the highlight of the first day's play as Queensland reached 6 for 310 at close of play on the first day of their Pura Cup match against Tasmania at the Gabba.

On a hot and humid day in Brisbane, Daniel Marsh, the Tasmanian captain, made the surprising move of choosing to field after winning the toss. Maher and Clinton Perren got Queensland off to a sound start, putting on 61 before Perren was bowled by Adam Griffith, Tasmania's most successful bowler. Shane Watson kept the good work going, but Queensland wobbled briefly when Watson (22) and Andrew Symonds (3) were out in quick succession.

Maher then found an able ally in Craig Philipson, who made 40 - the second-highest score of the innings so far - and helped add 94 for the fourth wicket. He eventually became Griffith's second victim. James Hopes and Maher were then involved in another substantial partnership, but Tasmania fought back with two late wickets to even the situation somewhat. Maher completed his hundred three overs before tea, and smashed 18 fours in his knock, before he was finally bowled by Griffith (5 for 282). Hopes had been dismissed at the same score just three balls earlier, and Tasmania had reason to feel pleased with the last hour's play.

As if bowling to Maher on a flat Gabba pitch wasn't hard enough, Tasmania also had to play with a bowler short for almost two sessions - Andrew Downton, a left-arm seamer, went off the field with a groin injury after bowling 13.1 overs.