Queensland's Sheffield Shield fightback leaves Blues reeling

It looked ominous for Queensland at North Dalton Park on Friday morning.

They were 159 runs behind by the time they bowled NSW out for 402, after ex-Test opener Matt Renshaw had worn a short ball to the helmet in warm-up and would withdraw from the rest of the match.

Under the concussion rule implemented since the tragic loss of Phil Hughes, Lachlan Pfeffer replaced Renshaw to face the new ball and shouldered arms on nine only to allow Trent Copeland – who took five in the first innings – to rattle the woodwork.

When the superbly talented Joe Burns was trapped leg before by Copeland for 24, Queensland were in deep trouble. 

But the Sheffield Shield leaders showed their immense class and by stumps, the entire match had been turned on its head. 

South African-born Marnus Labuschagne delivered a patient and stirring century, his fourth first-class ton and second this year. 

Labuschagne was finally stopped on 134 from 218 balls, with the second new ball, as Copeland – who before a ball was bowled stated his preference for playing every match at the SCG – struck again. 

Copeland got one to move back, leaving Labuschagne to toss the bat his hands after hearing the death rattle, so close to surviving to see Saturday at the crease. Still, a year after his Queensland Country counterparts put their hands on the Australian Championships title at the same venue, the Bulls walked off 159 runs in front, leaving the playing group to push for outright victory with a declaration on Saturday.

Charlie Hemphrey is tantalisingly close to a century of his own, unbeaten on 95 from 233 balls, with Sam Heazlett not out on four after Labuschagne went. 

The third wicket partnership stood at 246 runs. 

Labuschagne and Hemphrey’s efforts came a season on from George Bailey’s masterful double century in the drawn Sheffield Shield match against NSW in Wollongong.

Queensland said the decision for Renshaw to pull out was a precaution before the Shield final.

“Matt Renshaw not batting in 2nd inns as a precaution,” the official Queensland cricket Twitter handle stated.

“Copped a head knock in warm-up yesterday morning and has been replaced by Lachy Pfeffer under CA's concussion policy. Matt is recovering well and will be assessed further upon his return to Brisbane.”

NSW are officially out of the Sheffield Shield finals hunt, after Tasmania beat Victoria by 156 runs.