Queensland’s pursuit of Western Australia’s imposing first-innings total of 465 began with a setback as Test aspirant Matt Renshaw fell cheaply for 6. However, captain Marnus Labuschagne steadied the ship with a composed half-century, guiding Queensland to 185 for 3 at the end of day two.
Labuschagne, watched by his father in the stands, displayed his class with a fluent 77 off 96 deliveries. He combined well with Usman Khawaja, who also capitalized on some wayward bowling from Corey Rocchiccioli. However, Gannon, playing against his former team, proved to be a thorn in Queensland’s side, dismissing Khawaja for 31.
Jack Clayton, batting at No. 4, remained unbeaten on 52, providing stability to Queensland’s innings. The pitch at the WACA flattened considerably under sunny conditions, offering little assistance to the bowlers.
Western Australia’s recovery on day two was spearheaded by allrounder Cooper Connolly and Gannon, who batted for almost the entire first session. Connolly reached his half-century off 64 balls, while Gannon matched him with a valuable contribution.
Connolly’s bid for a maiden century was cut short when he holed out to Renshaw in the first over after the interval. Fringe Test quick Michael Neser, who had impressed on day one, bowled only three overs on day two, finishing with 5 for 68 from 25 overs.
Queensland still face an uphill task to close in on Western Australia’s massive total. However, with Labuschagne and Clayton at the crease, they will be confident of making further inroads on day three.
