Sheffield Shield: Josh Inglis gives Western Australia strangle hold over Queensland with fifth First-Class ton

Josh Inglis has given Western Australia a stranglehold on their Sheffield Shield clash with Queensland and taken a major step towards reaching the test arena with an unbeaten century on day three at the WACA.

The dynamic keeper-batter rescued the home side from an early wobble to craft a brilliant under-pressure 135 and leave the visitors requiring a mammoth 448 for victory.

His fifth first-class century was just what the doctor ordered for the 28-year-old as he attempts to force Alex Carey out of all three international formats.

Inglis took Carey’s place in the one-day set-up during last year’s successful World Cup run, while the West Aussie has been preferred in T20s across the previous 18 months.

Carey’s struggles in the longest format have been well publicised since his infamous run out of Jonny Bairstow at Lord’s, and Inglis is now nipping at his heels after the South Australian struggled to impact the Test summer and against New Zealand.

Inglis’ latest century, in his first Shield outing of the campaign, enabled WA to declare at 7-307 despite falling to 4-58 and pile the pressure on Queensland’s openers for the 90 minutes.

And it paid as Corey Rocchiccioli removed Bryce Street, leaving the visitors needing 392 with nine wickets in hand and a day to play.

Meanwhile, title-rivals Tasmania are on the brink of victory against Victoria despite a brave chase and Nic Maddinson’s century, needing just two wickets on the final day with 69 runs in hand.

Daniel Hughes and Ollie Davies hit tons for New South Wales to lead South Australia by 178 runs in their first innings, but a result hinges on the Redbacks folding quickly on day four.

Queensland made the spectacular start to day three they needed, utilising the gloomy, humid conditions at the WACA with four wickets in rapid succession.

Cam Bancroft couldn’t add anything significant to his overnight work before first innings centurion Jayden Goodwin went from hero to zero, nicking a length ball from Mark Steketee that seamed away to record a 16-ball duck in the tricky conditions.

Sam Whiteman made it into the 30s before falling chasing a tempter outside off stump from Gurinder Sandu, caught by Ben McDermott at second slip.

WA’s grip on the game looked tenuous as Sandhu struck again, removing Hilton Cartwright for just nine to leave the hosts 4-58 and leading by a gettable 198 runs.

But the state’s depth was on display again as D’arcy Short and Inglis combined for an authoritative partnership of 124 runs.

The pair had their struggles early, both forced to hop around the crease at times while Short was struck in the thumb.

However, they returned the pressure in style, slashing and timing off the back foot.

Inglis passed his half century quietly while Short was caught one run shy of the milestone thanks to a brilliant low catch from Angus Lovell in gully.

Inglis picked up the intent as Charlie Stobo came and went without troubling the scorers.

He cruised through the 90s and brought up the milestone with belligerent hook to the boundary.

The keeper kept the score ticking alongside Joel Paris, with WA’s lead passing 400.

Paris fell for 28 before Cam Gannon added a lusty unbeaten 25 against the new ball as the hosts declared with a lead of 447.