Test quick James Pattinson landed another body blow on Queensland to reduce them to 4-93 in their second innings at tea on day three of their Sheffield Shield clash with Victoria at the Gabba.
The Bulls lead by just 15 runs after the Bushrangers took a 78-run advantage when they were bowled out for 227 in their first innings earlier in the day.
Just as he did before lunch, Pattinson (2-19) struck in the final over of the session when he had patient opener Wade Townsend (42 off 130 balls) caught behind.
It ended a 45-run fourth wicket stand with Joe Burns (17 not out).
Pattinson had ensured an early lunch break when he removed opener Andrew Robinson for a five-ball duck to have Queensland reeling at 1-1.
It got worse after the break – the Bulls plunged to 2-6 when Clint McKay (1-12 off 13 overs) snared the prized scalp of ex-Test batsman Usman Khawaja for three.
Former Australian one-day international Peter Forrest tried to spark a recovery before being caught behind off Test quick Peter Siddle (1-21) for 26, ending a 42-run stand with the diminutive Townsend.
Earlier on Friday, Bushrangers gloveman Matthew Wade was denied a century but enjoyed a 112-run seventh wicket stand with Siddle (54) that ensured first innings points for the visitors.
But with a ton in his sights Wade was caught behind off Luke Feldman (3-66) for 89, ending an impressive four hour, 175-ball knock that would have made national selectors take notice.
Wade would consider himself unlucky if dropped for the summer’s opening Test against South Africa at the Gabba next month, especially after stroking 106 in his last match in the baggy green against the West Indies in April.
However, selectors face a conundrum with veteran Brad Haddin bidding to return to the national side after spending time away from the game due to a family illness.
Siddle joined Wade at the crease with Victoria battling at 6-68 late on day one in reply to Queensland’s first innings of 149.
They resumed on Friday at 6-174 after rain all but washed out day two.
Besides Feldman, Alister McDermott (3-45) and Ben Cutting (3-47) also impressed with the ball for Queensland.
