Sam Geyer Shines on Debut with Four Wickets as Queensland Fight Back at the Gabba

Queensland debutant Sam Geyer announced himself in style on Saturday, taking four wickets in a spirited performance during the Sheffield Shield day-night clash against Victoria at the Gabba. Victoria declared at 318 for 9, before Queensland safely reached 15 without loss at stumps, trailing by 303 runs.

The opening day belonged to Geyer, who battled through an early onslaught from Victoria’s Sam Harper. The wicketkeeper-batter hammered Geyer’s first two deliveries for four on his way to a blistering 88, but the 22-year-old quick showed impressive resilience. He recovered to dismiss Marcus Harris for 18, before striking late in the day to remove Mitchell Perry, Fergus O’Neill, and Will Sutherland, finishing with 4 for 102 from an energetic spell.

Geyer came close to a dream five-wicket haul, but Tom Straker dropped a chance at fine leg that would have removed Todd Murphy. Despite this, teammates were full of praise.
"He's very high energy Sammy… he probably deserved five as well. He bowled brilliantly and was that spark for us," spinner Mitch Swepson said.

Swepson himself played a key role, taking 2 for 55, including the crucial wickets of Harper and Peter Handscomb in quick succession after the pair had added 88 for the third wicket. Harper was the aggressor for Victoria, bringing up his half-century off 55 balls with a mix of cuts and a towering six over midwicket.

Victoria’s innings was anchored by Sam Harper (85) and Handscomb (48), while Geyer’s efforts were supported by the experienced Gurinder Sandhu, who claimed 2 for 55 and maintained significant pressure throughout.

Queensland openers safely negotiated a tricky final session under the Gabba lights, with Matt Renshaw unbeaten on 2. With selectors watching closely—particularly chief selector Tony Dodemaide—Renshaw’s performance could influence decisions ahead of the day-night second Ashes Test. Fitness concerns around Usman Khawaja and uncertainty over Travis Head’s batting position add further intrigue to Renshaw’s Sunday prospects.

Day two promises high stakes for Renshaw and a confident Queensland side buoyed by an impressive debut from their newest paceman.