Queensland lost a wicket just two balls before lunch on day three to be 1-1 in their second innings – trailing 77 overall – at the break in their Sheffield Shield clash with Victoria at the Gabba.

Test quick James Pattinson made the telling breakthrough when he had Andrew Robinson caught behind for a five-ball duck as the lunch interval loomed.

Earlier on Friday, Matthew Wade was denied a century before Victoria were bowled out for 227 in their first dig.

The diminutive ‘keeper enjoyed a 112-run seventh wicket stand with Peter Siddle (54) that ensured first innings points for the visitors.

But with a century 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.

And it seems Wade’s innings-saving hand on the same Gabba ground that will host the first Test will only make the selectors’ decision harder.

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.

Their epic stand finally ended when Siddle was snaffled up in the slips off Bulls skipper James Hopes (1-56).

Siddle had not reached 50 in his first 61 first class knocks but has now notched back to back half centuries following his 87 against Western Australia in Perth.

Alister McDermott (3-45) and Ben Cutting (3-47) also impressed with the ball.