Queensland 7 for 242 (Hemphrey 64, Street 53*, Agar 3-29) lead South Australia 221 (Andrews 78, Cooper 69, Neser 5-56) by 21 runs
Patient half-centuries from Charlie Hemphrey and debutant Bryce Street helped Queensland claim the lead against South Australia on a rain-affected second day at the Gabba.
Just four balls were bowled in the morning session as rain denied the Redbacks any chance to make further inroads following Wes Agar's triple-strike late on day one.
Marnus Labuschagne and Hemphrey batted steadily when play resumed post-lunch building a 63-run stand while the ball still nipped and swung for South Australia's seam bowlers. Labuschagne's frustrating run of uncapitalised starts continued when he edged a superb delivery from the Nick Winter to second slip, having been squared-up on the back foot.
Hemphrey was joined by Street and the pair set about recapturing their form from Queensland's 2nd XI earlier this month where they combined for a sensational 412-run stand against Victoria's second XI. On that occasion, Street made 345 not out and Hemphrey 151.
Against a highly-skilled first-class attack on a more challenging Gabba strip, they had to settle for hard-working half-centuries in an 83-run stand that took nearly 46 overs to compile. Hemphrey struck eight boundaries in his 64 but would be very disappointed with his dismissal. Having nearly steered Queensland into the lead he inexplicably chipped Tom Andrews to mid-off to expose the lower order against the second new ball with the lights in full effect to brighten a dark grey sky.
Winter returned to wreak havoc. He found the outside edge of Jimmy Peirson with a similar delivery to that which removed Labuschagne, swinging in and nipping away from the right hander from a good length. He nearly trapped Michael Neser lbw first ball with a full inswinger but got him a couple of overs later with one that swerved late back through the gate to finish with three wickets for the day.
Street held firm reaching his maiden half-century in his debut innings with a lovely straight drive. The umpires decided the natural light had faded too much with two balls left in the 87th over and called an end to the day. Queensland will resume on day three with a slender lead of 21.
