A counterpunching half-century by Jake Lehmann and early second innings wickets have given South Australia a slight advantage over Queensland.
Day two of the Sheffield Shield clash at the Gabba was a fluctuating affair.
The visitors were all out for 214 in reply to Queensland's 185. The Bulls in their second innings at stumps were 4-110 for a lead of 81 runs, a strong recovery after they'd stumbled to 3-10.
Usman Khawaja (four) was caught off a leading edge and Marnus Labuschagne (two) controversially given out to a diving catch by Alex Carey down the leg side that the Bulls skipper suggested clipped his pad.
Young gun Campbell Thompson (1-28) and Nathan McAndrew (2-30) made the early incisions.
An aggressive 53 off 65 deliveries by Lachlan Hearne and 33 not out from Hugh Weibgen steadied the ship and gave Queensland an 81-run lead.
Earlier Lehmann (74) and Liam Scott (32) added 90 for the seventh wicket in a partnership that proved critical in gaining South Australia the first innings advantage.
After resuming on their overnight score of 4-62, at one stage the visitors were 6-81 and in danger of conceding a sizeable first innings deficit.
Lehmann was rewarded for playing his shots with intent. There was the occasional edge but he hit crisp drives, cuts and pulls to take the game to the Bulls bowlers.
He found a trusty ally in Scott, who was the perfect foil to help Lehmann resurrect the innings.
Queensland fast bowler Jem Ryan (3-51) completed a promising Shield debut with Michael Neser, Tom Straker and Mitch Swepson each claiming two wickets.
The Bulls began the day with two early wickets.
Jason Sangha (28) attempted to back out late against a Straker delivery but the ball hit the face of the bat and Hugh Weibgen at third slip took a smart catch one-handed and low to his left.
Neser struck in the next over when he set a trap with two fielders stationed deep on the leg side.
McAndrew fell for it, with the Test paceman's well-directed bouncer bringing about his undoing.
The Lehmann and Scott liaison then rescued the innings.
