Queensland’s understrength attack defied their underdog status on Friday to dismiss a star-studded NSW for 184 on the opening day of their Sheffield Shield match at Allan Border Field.
After being sent in to bat, the Blues slumped to 4-52 in the first hour when they lost Test trio David Warner (2), Michael Clarke (8) and Shane Watson (33) and never recovered.
Bulls stand-in skipper Chris Hartley’s inspired choice to bowl first on the small, batsman-friendly oval paid off in spades with pacemen Luke Feldman (4-47), Alister McDermott (3-54) and Cameron Gannon (2-35) all impressing.
They stepped up in the absence of Ben Cutting (groin) and James Hopes (knee) who are sidelined by injury.
With some grass on the pitch and stiff winds prevailing, the depleted Bulls attack gained good movement through the air and off the wicket and did well to keep to a tight line.
Eight wickets fell through edges behind the wicket, including the scalps of Warner, Clarke and Watson – who belted six fours and one massive six in his 37-ball stay.
Middle-order pair Peter Nevill and Nic Maddinson combined to steady NSW’s ship with a 69-run stand but, when McDermott had Maddinson caught at second slip for 36 after lunch, it sparked another slump.
The Blues lost their last six wickets for 63 runs, including top-scorer Nevill (42) who was caught in the deep off former NSW spinner Nathan Hauritz with the last ball before tea.