Whitney Enters Record Books as Peirson Guides Queensland’s Comeback

The 21-year-old fast bowler, Tom Whitney, etched his name into Queensland’s Sheffield Shield history by becoming the 12th player from the state to achieve a five-wicket haul on debut. He is the first to do so since the 1986-87 season.

In the match against South Australia, the visitors posted 314 runs (Hunt 136, McInerney 51, Whitney 5-57). Queensland responded with 308 runs (Peirson 94, McDermott 52), trailing by just six runs at 0 for 1 in their second innings.

Whitney made headlines on Monday by becoming the first Queenslander in 38 years to secure a five-wicket haul on debut, claiming figures of 5 for 60. Following South Australia’s first innings, which ended early on day two in Brisbane, Whitney contributed with the bat to help Queensland reach a competitive total.

The visitors lost first-innings centurion Henry Hunt to a caught behind dismissal on the first ball of their second innings, thanks to Michael Neser. However, the day belonged to Whitney, who also witnessed Jimmy Peirson’s aggressive 94 runs at Allan Border Oval.

After arriving at the crease with Queensland struggling at 271 for 9, Whitney struck five boundaries, scoring an unbeaten 24 off just 11 balls. His late flourish helped Queensland edge closer to parity.

Whitney had previously taken three wickets on Sunday. Early on Monday, he dismissed both Nathan McAndrew and Wes Agar, making him only the 12th Queenslander to take a five-wicket haul on debut, following former police officer Mick Polzin’s achievement in 1986-87.

In the match against South Australia, Neser concluded with 3 for 61, securing the crucial wicket of Hunt, who fell just short of carrying his bat with a score of 136.

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA – OCTOBER 22: Tom Whitney of Queensland celebrates with team mates after Usman Khawaja of Queensland caught out Daniel Drew of South Australia during the Sheffield Shield match between Queensland and South Australia at Allan Border Field, on October 22, 2024, in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Albert Perez/Getty Images)

Queensland’s top-order batsmen faced difficulties. Test opener Usman Khawaja fell victim to an lbw dismissal from McAndrew, leaving Queensland at 16 for 3 early in the innings. Matt Renshaw also succumbed to lbw against Jordan Buckingham, managing just two runs. This setback affected his slim chances of joining Khawaja at the top of the order for the upcoming Test in Perth.

Marnus Labuschagne similarly failed to leave a mark, as he was caught at forward square leg while trying to flick a delivery off his toes.

Despite being down at 80 for 5, Queensland mounted a recovery. Ben McDermott contributed a solid 52, while Neser and Peirson formed a significant seventh-wicket partnership of 97 runs.

Peirson continued his impressive performance, hitting 14 boundaries throughout his innings. He looked poised for a century before a moment of hesitation while running for a second run with Mitchell Swepson led to his run-out by Jake Lehmann.