Queensland warhorse Andy Bichel didn't allow former Test team-mate Jason Gillespie to get all the kudos with a late clatter of South Australian wickets at the Gabba.

Bichel ensured first-day honours were shared in the pivotal Pura Cup match by claiming 3-12 from eight fiery overs to leave the Redbacks struggling at 3-41 in reply to the Bulls' first-innings 252.

Second-placed Queensland won the toss and batted well before lunch on a topsy-turvy day which set up an enticing battle.

Gillespie took 5-40 to surge back into Test calculations as the Bulls lost 6-48 in the post-lunch session after looking untroubled at 1-87 before the break.

Mark Cleary (2-46) gained good swing to spark the collapse by having Matt Hayden caught from a mistimed pull shot.

"I think they batted really well in that first session but it looked like in the second session they came out trying to dominate us," Gillespie said.

"We would have batted if we won the toss but it wasn't the worst thing in the world to be out there bowling today. (The wicket) is not doing a lot but it's doing enough."

Clinton Perren top-scored for the home side with 74 and it was only his rearguard stands with Ashley Noffke (32) and Daniel Doran (26 not out) that put it past 200 after it was 7-137.

Perren, hit in the helmet by a Shaun Tait bouncer, recovered to stroke 10 boundaries and a six over mid-wicket which brought up his 50.

Bichel struck early by having Ben Cameron caught by first slip Martin Love after second slip Perren bumped a tough head-high chance over his back.

Greg Blewett (20) and Cameron Borgas (14) appeared set to last a testing hour-long period before stumps until Bichel induced an edged catch into the cordon.

Maximum points will enable the victors to leapfrog over competition leader Victoria.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP