Jack Clayton was stranded on 99 and loomed as key for Queensland after day two of their Sheffield Shield match against Victoria.

Clayton only managed four runs off the last over of the day from part-time spinner Ollie Peake, before stumps were called on Sunday at the Gabba. The game was in the balance, with the home side 202 for 5 in reply to Victoria’s 307.

While Clayton probably faced a restless night’s sleep, he continued his strong form this season with a fourth half-century across the Shield and one-day competitions. The No. 4 had faced 191 balls and struck eight fours to anchor the Queensland innings.

Victorian captain Will Sutherland brought himself into the attack and had immediate effect, bowling Hugh Weibgen with his first delivery. He then had Hugo Burdon caught by Marcus Harris at third slip at the end of the same over and Queensland were in strife at 33 for 2.

But Clayton and opener Angus Lovell put on 85 for the third wicket to put the pressure back on Victoria.

Matt Hennig was brought back into the attack and, like Sutherland, struck with the first delivery of his spell. He trapped Lovell lbw for 36 – his first Shield wicket. Two overs later, Liam Blackford snared a sharp chance at bat-pad off Hennig and Lachlan Hearne was out for 2.

When Jimmy Peirson skied spinner Todd Murphy to Sutherland at midwicket, suddenly Queensland were back in trouble at 174 for 5.

Victoria resumed on 282 for 9 and Mitch Swepson took his second wicket when he dismissed Hennig for 4, leaving Sutherland unbeaten on 43.