In a gripping opening day of the Sheffield Shield final at Karen Rolton Oval, South Australia took a commanding lead over Queensland after a dramatic display of fast bowling and resilient batting. Brendan Doggett was the star of the day, dismantling Queensland's batting order with a stunning performance, while young talent Callum Vidler also made headlines with his impressive bowling.
On March 26, 2025, South Australia finished the day at 158 for 6, leading Queensland by 63 runs after the latter was bowled out for just 95 runs—the lowest first innings total in Sheffield Shield final history. Doggett's remarkable figures of 6 for 31 not only marked his best performance in Shield cricket but also secured him a place among the elite group of bowlers with multiple five-wicket hauls in finals.
Queensland's innings began on a shaky note, with Doggett striking early to dismiss Usman Khawaja for just 2 runs off 28 balls. Khawaja's struggles were compounded by missed catches, as Nathan McAndrew dropped him twice in the slips. However, once Doggett took the first wicket, the floodgates opened. Marnus Labuschagne, under pressure, fell for a duck, and Queensland quickly found themselves in dire straits at 22 for 5, with Doggett wreaking havoc.
As the Queensland batting lineup crumbled, the young Vidler showcased his potential. The 19-year-old, playing only his third first-class match, took 4 wickets for 33 runs, including the crucial dismissals of Test players Nathan McSweeney and Alex Carey. Vidler's pace and swing were reminiscent of Australian bowling greats, and he bowled with an impressive speed exceeding 140 km/h.
Despite the early setbacks, Queensland's Michael Neser and Jimmy Peirson attempted to stabilize the innings, forming a 46-run partnership. However, their efforts were in vain as Doggett returned to claim the last two wickets, wrapping up the innings with a clean bowling of Mitchell Swepson.
South Australia's response began cautiously, but the hosts found momentum through opener Conor McInerney, who scored a vital 38 runs. Jake Lehmann, who ended the day not out on 42, continued his excellent form, forming a crucial 45-run partnership with Ben Manenti, who contributed 36 runs. The duo pushed South Australia to a strong position at stumps, leaving Queensland with a mountain to climb.
As the teams regrouped for day two, Queensland captain Labuschagne delivered a rallying cry to his players, emphasizing the need for a strong comeback. "We need a big lift from you. Come in and give us a chance," he urged. The pressure was on Queensland to respond, and Vidler's performance had given them a glimmer of hope.
Lehmann's century on March 27 marked his third consecutive in the Sheffield Shield, further extending South Australia's lead to well beyond 150 runs. His consistent batting has been a highlight for the team, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure.
With Queensland's bowlers needing to step up, Vidler's performance was a bright spot in an otherwise challenging match. His ability to bowl fast and accurately has drawn praise from teammates and opponents alike. Brendan Doggett remarked, "Vidler just bowled fast today, had our boys moving around … he was putting the pressure on. I love him, he looks good. He’s fast, he’s wiry, aggressive. I don’t want to face him."
Wicketkeeper Jimmy Peirson echoed Doggett's sentiments, noting that Vidler's deliveries were hitting the gloves hard. "It’s really exciting for us to see," Peirson said. "As he gets older, he’s going to be an absolute beauty for Queensland, and hopefully we don’t see him too much and he goes and plays for Australia."
Vidler's journey to this point has been remarkable. He was clocked at 151 km/h during a previous match against South Australia and was the equal-leading wicket-taker during the 2023 Youth Ashes in England. His rapid rise in Australian cricket has made him a player to watch, and his performances have generated excitement among fans and selectors alike.
As the Sheffield Shield final progresses, all eyes will be on Queensland's batting lineup to see if they can mount a comeback against a formidable South Australian side. With the potential for more twists and turns, the final promises to be a thrilling contest as both teams vie for the coveted title.
