Australian Test paceman James Pattinson has collected 3-34 in an impressive display of pace and discipline as the in-form Queensland slumped to 9-206 after day one of the Sheffield Shield match in Alice Springs.

Pattinson has played just one other first-class match in the past 12 months as he continues to rehabilitate following a serious back injury, but looked strong throughout his 17 overs.

It was a strong return to form for the Victorians who, having lost inside three days against NSW last week, defied the oppressive heat and a strong Bulls’ batting line-up in the first Shield match ever to be played in the Northern Territory.

Test batsman Joe Burns played a lone hand for Queensland, top-scoring with 86 before Pattinson had him caught behind amid a last-session slump by the Bulls.

Leg-spinner Fawad Ahmed collected the best figures with 4-49 off 26 overs.

Opener Charlie Hemphrey made 31 while middle-order batsman Michael Philipson hit 39 but the latter’s dismissal kick-started a collapse which saw the Bulls lose 5-32.

The match could have a crucial bearing on the ladder with the winner likely to move into second spot, dependant on the result between ladder leaders NSW and Western Australia.