Debutant Albert Esterhuysen claims 4 for 37 as Sam Fanning’s unbeaten 82 powers Western Australia to 132/0 and a 169-run lead against Queensland

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Queensland’s chances of reaching the final of the Sheffield Shield suffered a major setback after a dominant performance from Western Australia on day two of their clash at Allan Border Field. Debutant pacer Albert Esterhuysen starred with the ball, while Sam Fanning led the batting charge to leave Queensland under serious pressure.

Resuming at a fragile 37 for 3 in response to Western Australia’s first-innings total of 210, Queensland were bowled out for 173. Esterhuysen impressed on his first-class debut by claiming four wickets for 37 runs, dismantling the middle and lower order to give the visitors a crucial lead.

Western Australia then strengthened their grip on the match with a commanding opening partnership. Fanning remained unbeaten on 82 off 134 balls, while Cameron Bancroft supported him with a steady 44 not out from 125 deliveries. By stumps, WA had raced to 132 for 0, extending their overall lead to 169 runs and putting themselves firmly in control.

Queensland entered the penultimate round of the season in second place on the table with 34.38 points, only slightly ahead of South Australia cricket team, who had 33.43 points. With South Australia in a strong position in their match against New South Wales cricket team, a defeat for Queensland could push them out of contention for the final.

Fanning now has a strong opportunity to register his maiden first-class century when play resumes, with his current highest score in the format standing at 99. His composed innings, combined with Bancroft’s patience, left Queensland’s bowlers searching for answers throughout the final session.

Earlier in the match, former Bulls seamer Cameron Gannon had kept Western Australia in the contest by claiming three key wickets late on the opening day. His scalps included star Queensland batters Marnus Labuschagne and Usman Khawaja, both of whom fell cheaply.

Esterhuysen’s breakthrough moment came when he dismissed Matt Renshaw for 31, with Bancroft taking a sharp catch in the slips. He followed that up quickly by removing Jimmy Peirson, before adding two more wickets as Queensland’s batting lineup collapsed.

A late resistance from No.10 Jem Ryan, who scored a valuable 33, helped Queensland add 38 runs for the final wicket. However, the modest total left their bowlers with a difficult task against a confident Western Australia opening pair.

Queensland also suffered an injury setback during the match, losing allrounder Jack Wildermuth to a quad strain. Under Cricket Australia’s injury substitution rules, he was replaced by Tom Straker after initially batting in the first innings.

With Western Australia firmly in control and holding a substantial lead, Queensland now face an uphill battle to stay alive in the race for the Sheffield Shield final.