Queensland 185 for 3 (Labuschagne 77, Clayton 52*, Gannon 2-33) trail Western Australia 465 (Inglis 122, Whiteman 102, Neser 5-68) by 280 runs
Renshaw started with a gorgeous drive down the ground off Kelly in the first over, but was worked over by Gannon, and edged to third slip. He made just 6 off 24 balls.
Labuschagne, with his father watching on in the terraces, was cautious early, before counterattacking Rocchiccioli with quick footwork down the pitch. He combined well with Khawaja, who also pounced on an unusually ragged effort from Rocchiccioli.
Gannon, playing against his former team, was the standout of WA’s shorthanded attack missing speedsters Lance Morris and Jhye Richardson, with allrounder Mitchell Marsh playing as a specialist batter. Having starred in WA’s Shield triumph against Tasmania last season, Gannon was relentless, and knocked over Khawaja, who on 31, played a short ball on to his stumps.
WA debutant Brody Couch, recruited from Victoria and who has played in Major League Cricket, impressed and bowled a lively first spell before tea. He was the fastest out of WA’s trio of quicks, reaching speeds of 140kph while also bowling the occasional fiery short-pitched delivery. Couch tired late in the day, but did deliver a stinging delivery that hit Labuschagne in the stomach and had him on his haunches.
After making his international debut during Australia’s tour of the UK, Connolly has been earmarked for a big summer, and might be a smokey for the Test tour of Sri Lanka early next year.
Justifying his selection ahead of veteran Ashton Turner, Connolly unleashed powerful strokes to reach lunch on 79 not out. Having made 90 in his first-class debut in last season’s Shield final, Connolly’s bid for a maiden ton was cut short when he holed out to Renshaw in the first over after the interval.