Queensland Hold Slender Lead Over NSW in Thrilling Shield Clash

Queensland and New South Wales are locked in a thrilling battle at Allan Border Field, with the home side holding a slender lead of 115 runs heading into the final day.

NSW resumed play on Wednesday well-placed at 222 for 5, and Ollie Davies took the game by the scruff of the neck to post a deserved century. The 23-year-old thumped 131 off 147 balls, lifting his side to a competitive total of 316.

Queensland's response got off to a shaky start, as they slumped to 42 for 4 and 118 for 5. However, Jimmy Peirson and Jack Wildermuth combined to help them avoid an innings loss. Peirson, who scored 64 in the first innings, is still unbeaten on 57, while Xavier Bartlett has contributed a valuable 57 not out.

The pair will resume at the crease on Thursday, with captain Peirson still hopeful of pulling off an upset victory. "I'd love another 50 or 60 runs," Peirson said. "There's a crack developing at one end for the quicks to hit that, and there's certainly some divots there to play with as well. So if we can get another 50 or 60 runs - it's a funny game."

NSW spinner Tanveer Sangha has been the pick of the bowlers, finishing the day with 4 for 116. The most special of those dismissals was that of Jack Clayton, with Davies snaring a one-handed reflex catch at leg slip.

NSW opener Sam Konstas suffered a potential concussion after hitting his head on the turf while dropping a catch late on day three. Konstas is set to miss the final day, which could be a blow to NSW's hopes of victory.

Tags: #SheffieldShield, #Queensland, #NewSouthWales, #OllieDavies, #JimmyPeirson