BRISBANE, Nov 24 AAP - Western Australia is firmly in control after a roller coaster ride of a day in the Pura Cup clash against Queensland at the Gabba.

A total of 15 wickets fell during the first day of play with Queensland on 5-106 at stumps, chasing Western Australia's total of 228.

The Warriors lost their last six wickets for just 30 runs as momentum swung like a pendulum throughout the day.

The Warriors started on the front foot when captain Mike Hussey called correctly and elected to bat on a wicket that promised plenty of bounce and some sideways movement.

Hussey and opening partner Chris Rogers preceded to dispatch the Queensland attack to all parts of the Gabba as they put on 59 for the opening stand, bringing up the team's half century in 44 minutes off just 11 overs.

Hussey smashed Bulls quick Michael Kasprowicz for four boundaries in one over, but the former test pacemen had the last laugh when he had Hussey caught behind for 33.

Queensland stemmed the flow of runs following Hussey's dismissal with Joe Dawes bowling five consecutive maidens to bring the Bulls back into the game. He was rewarded with the wicket of Rogers who dragged the ball onto his stumps.

The game was then delicately poised with the Warriors at 3-102 at the break.

The second session belonged to the home side with the Bulls claiming seven wickets.

The only bright note for the Warriors was an 82-run partnership between Murray Goodwin and Ryan Campbell who took the score from 116 to 198.

Goodwin's departure triggered the major batting collapse which saw the Warriors all out before the tea break.

Dawes and Lee Carseldine claimed three wickets apiece with Ashley Noffke and Michael Kasprowicz claiming two each with Ryan Campbell top scoring for the visitors with a quickfire 62.

Queensland looked to be in the drivers seat but they were soon in trouble when captain Jimmy Maher was run out for 13 attempting a quick single.

It went from bad to worse for the Bulls with both Martin Love and Stuart Law going out for second ball ducks in the same over.

Queensland duo Andrew Symonds and Brendan Nash fought a rearguard action compiling a 51-run partnership.

But both batsmen were dismissed in quick succession late in the day to leave the Bulls struggling for 5-72.

Lee Carseldine and Wade Seccombe guided the Bulls to stumps still 123 runs short of their target with only the tail to come.

Western Australian captain Hussey said the pitch was not to blame for the avalanche of wickets.

"I thought it was a really good cricket wicket the ball came onto the bast nicely. We were disappointed to only get 228 but we knew if we worked hard we could put the bulls under pressure," Hussey said.

"To get Maher, Love and Law cheaply really helps but there are no slouches in the Queensland tail so we will have to work very hard."

© 2002 AAP

This report does not necessarily represent the views of the Australian Cricket Board.