Final scenarios, results; Bonus points system called into question after Queensland reaches decider instead of Victoria; Incredible Campbell Kellaway catch

The Sheffield Shield bonus points system is facing scrutiny after Queensland secured a spot in the tournament final despite having won less matches than Victoria.

Queensland will meet South Australia in Adelaide in the decider from next Wednesday, having drawn with South Australia in the final round and thanks to other results that fell in its favour on a dramatic final day of the regular season.

An astonishing outfield catch by Victoria’s Campbell Kellaway (watch the video above) lit up the climactic final day.

READ MORE: Kyrgios at centre of lawsuit over ‘inhumane’ conditions

THE MOLE: Shock Sydney club in ‘hush hush’ Cherry-Evans discussions

READ MORE: Legends blow up as AFL upholds lengthy suspension

Heading into Tuesday, South Australia had already guaranteed itself a spot in a home final, albeit at Karen Rolton Oval instead of Adelaide Oval because of a controversial AFL move, and Queensland, NSW and Western Australia all remained a chance of reaching the final.

What ensued were a draw between South Australia and Queensland, a 326-run win for Tasmania over NSW, and a 34-run victory for Victoria against WA.

All told, Queensland finished in second position on the table with 0.27 more points than Victoria in third, despite the fact the Victorians had won four matches and Queensland only three. The Bulls were not only bolstered by bonus points, but four draws in comparison to the Bushrangers’ one.

Victoria captain Will Sutherland called into question the bonus points system after the Bushrangers, spearheaded by the tireless Peter Siddle in the veteran’s final first-class match, bowled out WA for 347 to clinch victory.

“A bit frustrating. We’ve probably only got ourselves to blame; we lost three or four in a row and two games we know we should have won,” Sutherland said.

“… In saying that, we did win four games, and Queensland won three and they have somehow made the final. That is a little bit interesting and confusing with the bonus system there.

“But again, there’s two games we clearly should have won.”

Ahead of the final day, Queensland wicketkeeper-batter Jimmy Peirson admitted it was wild that a team could qualify for the final with only three wins.

“I’ve never played in a season where three wins could potentially get you into a Shield final. It’s crazy to think that,” said Peirson, who struck 128 in the Bulls’ only dig.

Victoria’s successful pursuit of victory over WA was buoyed by an otherworldly catch taken by Kellaway behind square on the leg side.

With WA 7-308 and chasing 382 for victory, Cameron Gannon played a hook shot off a Sutherland delivery.

The prospect of Kellaway taking a catch did not even appear within the realm of possibility, but the 22-year-old opening batter turned on the afterburners, dived like Superman toward the fine leg boundary, and plucked the ball one-handed with an outstretched right arm.

The amazing catch followed an unbeaten 165 by Kellaway in Victoria’s second dig.

Sutherland was asked if he’d seen many better catches.

“I actually don’t think I have, to be honest,” the skipper said.

“With the filming it came up pretty well, but it’s not the Big Bash cameras.

“For him to take that catch into the sun, as well, conditions-based it’s a pretty incredible catch.

“Almost better than his 150 or 160.

“A very impressive game from him.”

Elsewhere, NSW teen prodigy Sam Konstas and opening partner Blake Nikitaras compiled 68 and 51 respectively after their side was set a mammoth 529 for victory.

The dismissal of the two-Test rookie triggered a collapse that ended the Blues’ slim chances of a final-day miracle in their bid for a spot in the final.

Test spinner Matt Kuhnemann took 5-49 as Tasmania bowled out NSW for 202 to chalk up a thumping win.

Meanwhile, Siddle has been widely praised as a cricketing titan after inspiring a Victorian win with 4-68 in Perth in his first-class swansong, at the age of 40 no less.

The wicket that sealed victory marked the former Test quick’s 792nd first-class scalp.