Jimmy Peirson scores a courageous hundred to save Queensland.

Queensland (281 for 8, Peirson 115*, Bryant 40, Abbott 3-63, Kerr 2-48) is 39 runs behind New South Wales (320, Gilkes 94, Bartlett 4-50, Sinfield 3-70).

Jimmy Peirson, the captain, reversed a poor run of form with a courageous undefeated century to keep Queensland in the Sheffield Shield match against New South Wales at the Gabba.

Queensland’s 281 for 8 at the close of the second day was 39 runs short of New South Wales’ 320.

Queensland’s recovery from 102 for 6 to 115 not out by Peirson prevented New South Wales from taking a possibly match-winning lead in the first innings.

Peirson, who had failed to reach double digits in his previous six innings across all formats of the game, reached his sixth first-class century by hitting 13 fours.

He joined forces with Xavier Bartlett (32) to score 91 runs for the eighth wicket. Mark Steketee added additional lower-order resistance to reach 27 not out at the end of the day.

Queensland limped to 51 for 4 at the end of a rain-affected opening session because to early damage done by New South Wales’ Sean Abbott, who took two wickets.

Max Bryant (40) provided the most resistance from Queensland’s top order with a fast 40, but his dismissal, bowled shouldering arms, typified Queensland’s early woes.

Abbott defeated Jack Wildermuth after the interval for seven and finished the day with three wickets for 63 runs.

New South Wales, who was nine wickets down overnight, added nine runs to their overnight total to post 320 runs in their first innings. New South Wales, who have not yet won a game, must win at the Gabba to prevent a record winless streak, while Queensland entered the match tied for second with four other teams.