Queensland 88 for 2 (Burns 49*, McAndrew 1-18) Trail South Australia 240 (Nelson 90, McAndrew 46*, Bartlett 4-64) by 152 runs
Nelson saved South Australia from a terrible start to a first innings total of 240, Burns went to stumps for 49 not out on the second day as Queensland were bowled out for 88 for 2 in reply.
The right-hander looked in complete control on a tough wicket at Adelaide Oval, batting at intervals due to rain in a day-long final session.
Without a substantial score in Queensland’s previous three games, Burns played well all around the ground in the final three hours of play.
It came after he and Bryce Strait put on 52 for the first wicket, before Thomas Kelly took a catch of the summer to remove Summer Trolloff late on.
With Bartlett taking three wickets early on day one to leave the hosts at 25 for 5, Nelson was the man to stand up and lead the fightback for South Australia.
Nelson put on 60 with Ben Mananti and McAndrew for the seventh and eighth wickets, with McAndrew scoring 46 not out, before taking on Bartlett shortly after lunch on Monday.
Bartlett’s effort came with Queensland’s missing Mark Stecketti and Michael Nesser on duty for the Prime Minister’s XI, both teams also without their Australian Test and one-day stars.
“With the likes of Ness and Stack, it was good for the boys to get some opening players,” said Bartlett after taking 4 for 64.
“The theme of bowling first for us this year, the new ball has been really important.
“There is still a lot of time in this game and we have a lot of work to do, but we are in a good position now.”
South Australia are without a win after four rounds of the Shield, while Queensland are second with two wins, one draw and one loss.
