Pattinson fires Vics on Shield return

Inspired bowling from Australia Test paceman James Pattinson and leg-spinner Fawad Ahmed helped Victoria rip through the in-form Queensland batting line-up, breathing some life back into the Bushrangers’ Sheffield Shield campaign.

Queensland limped to 9-206, compiling barely two runs an over on day one of the first Sheffield Shield match to be played in Alice Springs.

Recently-capped 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.

It was a strong return to form for the Vics who have suffered two hefty defeats since the mid-season break, including a three-day loss against NSW last week.

Pattinson, who has played just one other first-class match in the past 12 months as he continues to rehabilitate following a serious back injury, looked strong throughout his 17 overs collecting 3-34.

At the other end Pakistan-born leg-spinner Ahmed was equally impressive nabbing 4-49 off 26 overs to move top of the Shield wicket-takers list for the season.

“We have been down for the past two games, so it is a good effort in this hot weather, especially from Jimmy (Pattinson) and the fast bowlers,” said Ahmed.

“It was a good effort from everyone bowling at the other end, and I was really relaxed because of that.

“The wicket reminded me of playing back home in Pakistan with no grass and hot weather. The wicket was slow which was hard for the batters but for us bowlers as well. It will be a good test for our batsmen.”

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.

Burns said the wicket was extremely slow and will offer an opportunity for the Queensland bowlers to achieve similar success.

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