WA fight on after early Shield carnage

WA fight on after early Shield carnage
By Oliver Caffrey

Queensland remain in the box seat to secure a vital Sheffield Shield win over reigning champions Western Australia.

The Bulls bowlers struck early on Wednesday, continuing the carnage for batters on a green pitch at the WACA.

Hilton Cartwright and Sam Fanning of Western Australia leave the field at the lunch break during the Sheffield Shield match against Queensland on Wednesday.Credit:Will Russell/Getty Images

The hosts collapsed to 4-24, chasing 194 for an outright victory, as one-Test quick Michael Neser went to lunch with figures of 3-14 from eight overs.

But veteran allrounder Hilton Cartwright (34 not out) and young left-hander Sam Fanning (23 not out) were able to rebuild and push Western Australia to 4-71 at the break.

Neser took all three wickets in the morning session on day three, including the bizarre dismissal of Corey Rocchiccioli.

The WA spinner, who came in as nightwatchman for the second time in as many days when opener Sam Whiteman was dismissed just before stumps on Tuesday, was out hit wicket when he fell on his stumps following a Neser bouncer.

WA have some batting to come with wicketkeeper Josh Philippe and allrounder Aaron Hardie due in next.

Queensland and WA both went into this match with a 1-1 record from their opening two matches of the season.

AAP

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