Weather, pitch and (of course) the ball had all noticeably quietened down as the home side resumed. Yet there was still swing, and a little seam movement, had any of the bowlers chosen to avail themselves of it. Inexplicably, the Bulls continued to pitch short; especially Vidler, whose youthful enthusiasm from the previous day shadowed off into a pointless expense of testosterone. And all this to Lehmann, who despite possessing more height, and far more hair, than his illustrious father does bat in the same way, preferring to rock back and blast the ball through the off-side. He looked every inch a Test batsman: rarely in trouble, and fluently striking the ball wherever he pleased. Manenti likewise was delighted not to have his front-foot deficiencies exposed, and stroked his way to a belligerent 47 before succumbing to a short ball from Swepson.
The leg-spinner was used sparingly, and delivered up a curious mixed salad of long-hops and wide balls. He was heavily punished (7/0/42/1), though to do him credit he did trap McAndrew plumb in front. The umpiring finger remained in abeyance however, for inscrutable reasons. Otherwise McAndrew lived up to his billing as a better than average no.9 and made a brisk 39. Finally Wildermuth conceived the novel idea of pitching the ball up, and two more wickets fell immediately. Lehmann was last out for a superb 102, giving the home side a solid lead of 176.
When the visitors batted again the Redback seamers mostly bowled a fuller length. It did mean that runs flowed freely; but they created far more opportunities. Khawaja played back to a fullish ball and edged Doggett behind for 21. Lovell was trapped leg before by Scott for a patient 38, and Doggett removed Labuschagne for an excellent 61. Marnus was fortunate earlier when caught in the outfield; but the bowler had overstepped by the breadth of an eyelash. Manenti bowled three late overs, and evidence of turn was uncovered. Much will depend on McDermott, although considerable credit is due to Jack Clayton, whose unobtrusive unbeaten 32 has shown a deal of promise. But with three men down, and a lead of a solitary run, Queensland have the job in front of them tomorrow.