A century stand between Alex Kemp and Joe Burns has ensured Queensland have first-innings points in sight in their must-win Sheffield Shield clash with South Australia at the Gabba.

At lunch on day two, the Bulls are 5-148 trailing the Redbacks by just 14 runs.

However, the Bulls have not had it all their own way despite Burns and Kemp combining for a 119-run third-wicket stand.

Left-arm quick Gary Putland (3-31) and ex-Test speedster Peter George (2-60) led a South Australian counter-punch as Queensland lost 3-17 just before lunch.

Burns – Queensland’s leading Shield run scorer this summer – was 85 not out.

Young guns Burns, 22, and Kemp, 23, initially came together with the Bulls reeling at 2-12 late on Thursday.

When rookie opener Kemp (47) was caught cutting George early on Friday, Queensland were 3-131 with the Redbacks’ 162 first innings total well within reach.

The lanky Kemp – appearing in his second Shield game – was solid in his knock that lasted almost three hours and included seven fours.

But Burns is the key after watching wickets fall steadily from the other end on Friday morning.

After Kemp’s dismissal, Putland had Queensland on the back foot by bowling dangerman Chris Lynn (one) and having Bulls skipper James Hopes (three) caught behind just before the lunch break.

Putland and George have been a thorn in Queensland’s side at the Gabba.

They combined for a 55-run final-wicket stand to boost South Australia’s first-innings total on Thursday before doing more damage with the ball.

Queensland must win the match to be a chance of qualifying for the Shield final.