Sheffield Shield final scoreboard: Jack Clayton and Jack Wildermuth lead Queensland fight back against South Australia

Two Jacks have led a defiant Queensland fight back as the miracle of winning the Sheffield Shield after their first innings of 95 is now a very real possibility.

Jack Clayton and all-rounder Jack Wildermuth have each posted centuries worth their weight in gold on day three of the Sheffield Shield final, giving Queensland a real chance of pulling off a miracle victory over South Australia at Karen Rolton Oval.

Clayton, 26, brought up his fifth first class century right when his state most needed it coming to crease at effectively 2/9 after South Australia posted a 176-run lead on the first innings, largely thanks to former captain Jake Lehmann.

And that was to be followed by a counterattacking century by No. 8 Wildermuth (111), brought up late in the day. It was also the all-rounder’s fifth first class century made at the perfect time for his state.

Their knocks, combined with a 61 from Marnus Labuschagne and fighting 51 from No.9 Mark Steketee, steered Queensland to a total of 445 - and has set South Australia an imposing 270-run target.

Pure elation! A #SheffieldShield final century of the highest quality by Jack Wildermuth 👏 pic.twitter.com/YjcPGZwlIZ

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) March 28, 2025

A defiant century by Jack Clayton to keep his team in the #SheffieldShield final! pic.twitter.com/7ayt0GEKX5

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) March 28, 2025

In partnership with Jack Wildermuth, who was 58 not out when Clayton was dismissed for an even hundred by spinner Ben Manenti, the pair added 103 for the seventh wicket to give Queensland a lead of 148 runs.

Wildermuth reached his century from 118 deliveries and shared another vital partnership with fellow quick Steketee of 112.

When Wildermuth lost Clayton with the score at 324, the lead was just 148 making the eighth wicket partnership with Steketee all the more valuable, given the Queensland bowlers something to bowl at and defend over the final two days.

Clayton made a vital century for Queensland. Picture: Mark Brake/Getty Images

Wildermuth at the crease during his century. Picture: Mark Brake/Getty Images

If they were to win, Queensland will have delivered a crushing blow to South Australia to now have to chase more than 200 to win the Shield for the first time since 1995/96.

Meanwhile, Chief first-innings destroyer Brendan Doggett took his match tally to 10 wickets early on day two of the final at Karen Rolton Oval.

The South Australian quick, and former Queensland spearhead, reached the mark by dismissing the experienced Ben McDermott (17) and Jimmy Peirson (5), both lbw, to have the visitors at 5/192 and the lead at just 16.

10 wickets in a #SheffieldShield final, what a performance!! pic.twitter.com/yXvcv6BOux

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) March 28, 2025

First blood for SA on day three and it's Brendan Doggett again! #SheffieldShield

Follow along with our live blog: https://t.co/uPVFyPZ4GOpic.twitter.com/q1TcVofKJp

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) March 28, 2025

Doggett took 6/31 in the first innings and dismissed another five in the second, and among his 11 wickets has included Test opener Usman Khawaja twice. It is the first time he has taken 10 wickets in a first class match.

The 30-year-old Doggett, whose match figures of 11-140 rank as the best ever in a Sheffield Shield final, was called into the Test squad this past summer as back-up for Australia’s pace attack, but was not required.

A jubilant Doggett after the wicket of Ben McDermott. Picture: Mark Brake/Getty Images

The Bulls’ forged their way back into the match on day two led by Marnus Labuschagne (61) after Lehmann surged his state into the box seat with a classy century before lunch on day two.

Lehmann, who made 102 of his side’s 271, gave the hosts a 176-run lead heading into the second innings. The visitors were 3/177 to start day three in reply.

Queensland reeled in the South Australian lead to take a one run advantage themselves by stumps on day two. To begin the third day, Queensland young gun Jack Clayton was 32 not out and the more experienced Ben McDermott joined him unbeaten on 16.

On day two, Doggett again captured Test opener Usman Khawaja (21) cheaply before Labuschagne led Queensland’s fightback.

Khawaja only made 2 in a paltry first innings total of 95 for Queensland giving South Australia the early advantage.

Lehmann shapes as a feel-good story should SA now convert their strong lead into the state’s first Shield victory in 29 years.

Special!

A #SheffieldShield final 💯 for Jake Lehmann! pic.twitter.com/gqP5eMvvP5

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) March 27, 2025

The accomplished left-hander was just three when his dad Darren lifted the trophy in 1996 following their famous draw with Western Australia.

Pictures from that game captured a young Lehmann sitting on his father’s knee as he posed with the trophy.

Lehmann put on an 85-run partnership, in the first innings, with Nathan McAndrew (39), who was out when he nicked Jack Wildermuth (3-39) to first slip.

Originally published as Sheffield Shield final scoreboard: Jack Clayton and Jack Wildermuth lead Queensland fight back against South Australia