Sam Konstas has a first Sheffield Shield century since December in sight, while Australian ODI regular Xavier Bartlett inflicted the reigning champions their first defeat in more than a year as Victorian rising star Harry Hoekstra continued to shine.

Hoekstra’s four second innings wickets, to take his tally to nine for the match, were not enough to keep Victoria from the brink of defeat in Hobart as Konstas led the New South Wales charge towards a declaration on day three at the WACA.

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The five-Test opener reached tea unbeaten on 82 from 111 balls with the visitors 4/155, leading by 256 runs.

Konstas has smacked nine fours and two sixes so far to follow up his first innings 71 in his first outing of the Shield season – the 21-year-old missed NSW’s opening game against Tasmania because of Australia A duty.

PERTH, AUSTRALIA – OCTOBER 21: Sam Konstas of New South Wales bats on Day 3 during the Sheffield Shield match between Western Australia and New South Wales at the WACA Ground, on October 21, 2026, in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

Earlier in the day, Western Australia fought back valiantly but still crossed halfway 101 runs in arrears, having been bowled out for 339.

WA captain Aaron Hardie was ruled out with a shoulder injury after his 52 but it was No. 8 Kieran Elliott who scored a potentially match-saving 79.

Jack Edwards took 4-42 off 22 overs for NSW.

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Two-time defending champions South Australia suffered its first Sheffield Shield defeat in over 12 months after Queensland pulled off a tricky fourth-innings chase at Adelaide Oval.

A wonderful haul from quick Xavier Bartlett (5-52) reduced the Bulls’ target to just 111 on day three.

But the pursuit started horrendously as Brendan Doggett, Nathan McAndrew and Liam Scott sunk the visitors to 4-29.

The chase fell on left-hander Jack Clayton (37 not out) and veteran Jimmy Peirson (48 not out).

Clayton continued his strong first-innings form, playing the short ball particularly well, while Peirson batted with an unshackled positivity.

Xavier Bartlett of the Queensland Celebrates the wicket of Nathan McAndrew of South Australia for 11 runs caught Jimmy Peirson of Queensland Bullsduring the Sheffield Shield match between South Australia and Queensland at Adelaide Oval, on October 21, 2026, in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Sarah Reed/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

The pair put on an unbroken 85, ensuring Queensland handed South Australia its first loss (acknowledging draws) since the same fixture in 2025-26.

South Australia has questions to answer about its top-order and will also sweat on Henry Hunt’s fitness after he was struck on the helmet while fielding at short leg.

Hunt left the field on his own accord with the Bulls needing 29 runs to win and did not return.

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Elsewhere, Victoria is on the back foot against Tasmania at Bellerive Oval.

The Vics had the Tigers 4-14 and 5-75 before Nikhil Chaudhary (81) and Gabe Bell (35no) added valuable runs.

The late-order surge helped Tasmania set Victoria 271 for victory.

Harry Hoekstra was the pick of the Victorian bowlers yet again with 4-52 off 18.3 overs.

Harry Hoekstra of the Bushrangers prepares to bowl during day three of the Sheffield Shield match between Tasmania Tigers and Victoria Bushrangers at Bellerive Oval on October 21, 2026 in Hobart, Australia. (Photo by Steve Bell/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

The Tigers made a perfect start, dismissing both Campbell Kellaway and Ollie Peake for ducks.

The Vics steadied through Peter Handscomb (39) and Marcus Harris (39no) but wobbled again before stumps to finish 5-98.



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