Bulls on top in SA Shield clash
A maiden first-class century by Queensland youngster Marnus Labuschagne has the Bulls in the box seat at 5-316 at stumps on day two of their Sheffield Shield clash with South Australia at the Gabba.
Labuschagne, 21, combined with 19-year-old Matt Renshaw on Sunday for a 189-run third-wicket partnership to propel Queensland into a 113-run lead after the Redbacks posted 203 in their first innings.
Struggling early at 2-32 on the seaming Gabba surface, the fledgling Bulls took time to get their eye in but soon found their rhythm after lunch with both players moving to 81 not out at the tea break.
It only took Labuschagne 12 minutes after the resumption to post his century as the option to take the new ball beckoned for the visitors.
The South African-born right-hander, who idolised Proteas legend Jacques Kallis as a child, was eventually bowled by Chadd Sayers after making 112 from 184 balls including 11 fours and one six.
Teammate Renshaw was unfortunately run out by Travis Head on 94 while attempting a quick single, while Nathan Reardon (56no) helped push the Bulls beyond 300 runs before stumps.
"I thought batting positively was something I needed to do after tea because the new ball was looming," Labuschagne said.
"It was awesome to bat with 'Rennie' (Renshaw). I think we both went about it well and both batted for a long period of time.
"We had to stay patient, they bowled really well after lunch and we didn't score many runs.
"The bounce was good - you can leave the ball really well (at the Gabba) which I like doing. You had to be patient here because the runs come in clumps."
