Allrounder Dan Christian struck a half-century as South Australia batted for survival against Queensland on Friday’s final day of the Sheffield Shield match in Adelaide.

The Redbacks were 6-186 at lunch, a lead of 182 runs, with Christian unbeaten on 50 and captain Johan Botha not out six.

SA lost three wickets in the opening session, including Callum Ferguson for 18.

Ferguson prodded to midwicket and foolishly set off for a single before being rightfully sent back by Christian.

Ferguson, who made 164 in the first dig, failed to make his ground in a dismissal which followed Travis Head (four) being stumped from the legspin bowling of Cameron Boyce in the opening over of the day.

Wicketkeeper-batsman Tim Ludeman (25) also fell, trapped lbw by Ben Cutting, after being involved in a 56-run stand with Christian.

The Bulls banked first innings points on Thursday, declaring four runs ahead of their hosts.