The ears of South Australia’s Gary Putland and Peter George might be burning after frustrating Queensland in their Sheffield Shield clash at the Gabba on Thursday.

But red faces were avoided by Queensland thanks to Alex Kemp and Joe Burns.

Needing to win to stay in contention for a Shield final berth, the Bulls were 2-58 by stumps on day one – trailing SA by 104.

Opener Kemp (24 not out) and Burns (23) put on an unbroken 46-run stand after Putland (1-13) and George (1-16) struck with the ball and had earlier surprisingly taunted the Bulls with the bat.

The Redbacks lived up to their wooden-spoon status when they lost 5-3 to be reeling at 9-107 after Queensland won the toss.

However, lusty hitting and plenty of luck ensured Putland (31 not out) and George (22) put together 55 runs – South Australia’s highest 10th-wicket partnership against Queensland at the Gabba.

The previous highest was 52 by TA Carlton and TW Wall way back in 1931-32.

SA were travelling so badly with the bat that the tea break was extended half an hour to allow Queensland to mop up the innings.

However, Putland and George kept swinging to ensure the Redbacks went into the break at 9-153.

But Test quick Ryan Harris (3-29 off 18.3 overs) finally ended the defiance by bowling George soon after play resumed.

Queensland skipper James Hopes was the pick of the bowling with 3-28 off 18.

The Bulls’ frustration grew soon after they took the crease.

Opener Wade Townsend was trapped in front by George for a duck before Andrew Robinson was caught behind off Putland and, suddenly, the hosts were 2-12 in the seventh over.

But cool heads by Kemp – in his second first-class game – and Burns kept the Bulls on track for at least first-innings points.

Kemp, 23, is looking to make up for lost time after making his first-class debut in his fourth season as a Bulls rookie contracted batsman.