A draw between WA and Queensland means the opening games of the Shield season ended with the same results
WA, QLD Draw Shield Opener
Star allrounder Mitch Marsh has fallen just short of a century as the Sheffield Shield clash between Western Australia and Queensland fizzled out to a draw.
Chasing 362 for victory in a minimum of 62 overs, Queensland finished at 1-120 off 35 overs before the captains shook hands at 4.22pm local time at the WACA Ground on Friday.
Bulls veteran Usman Khawaja scored 64 not out and Marnus Labuschagne 35no, but opener Matt Renshaw (15) was caught behind off the bowling of Matt Kelly.
Marsh, meanwhile, produced a solid knock in WA's second innings total of 6-263 declared in a good warm-up for the five-Test series against India.
The powerful right-hander (94 off 142 balls) struck 14 fours and one six to put himself within one mighty blow of bringing up three figures.
But his attempted pull for six off the bowling of Jack Wildermuth (3-38) skied into the air, with wicketkeeper Jimmy Peirson taking an easy catch.
Marsh, who experienced soreness during Australia's recent white-ball tour of the UK, was playing the Shield match as a batter only to protect his body.
WA wicketkeeper Josh Inglis is behind Alex Carey in the Test pecking order, but he enhanced his reputation with scores of 122 and 48 to earn Player of the Match honours against Queensland.
Bulls bowling allrounder Michael Neser snared 5-68 in the hosts' first innings total of 465.
Queensland replied with 367, before WA's declaration shortly after lunch on day four left the Bulls in a fight to survive for a draw.
WA, who are aiming for a fourth consecutive Shield title this season, will face Queensland in a One-Day Cup match at the WACA Ground on Sunday.