What is supposed to be a batsmen's paradise is becoming a nightmare for Queensland in their Sheffield Shield clash with NSW in Brisbane.
The Bulls again struggled to exploit Allan Border Field's flat wicket, sinking to 5-113 at stumps on day three chasing an improbable 435 for victory.
NSW's Test batsmen David Warner, Steven Smith and Brad Haddin will no doubt have fond memories of the small picturesque ground ahead of next week's Ashes opener at the Gabba by thrashing half centuries in the match.
Warner (52) and Smith (69) helped the Blues blast 386 in their first dig before Haddin got stuck in with a 46-ball unbeaten 50 on Friday and declared the second innings at 8-270, setting up the mammoth target.
"The time they have spent at the crease they have struck the ball well," NSW coach Trevor Bayliss said.
"They've looked the class players in the matches that we have played and deserve their spot in the Australian team."
However, it looms as a match the Bulls bats would rather forget.
After adding just six more runs to their overnight score, Queensland were bowled out for 222 in their first innings on Friday morning.
And the Bulls were on the back foot again when Haddin's heroics backed up Warner's streaky 21 and Smith's 33-ball 36 before NSW pulled the pin on their second innings.
Then it really went pear shaped for the Bulls.
Queensland limped into tea at 1-7 before losing discarded-Test batsman Usman Khawaja (16), Greg Moller (41), Peter Forrest (11) and skipper James Hopes (four) in a disastrous final session.
Chris Lynn was not out 34 while Stephen O'Keefe (1-7 off eight overs), Trent Copeland (1-18) and Gurinder Sandhu (1-19) impressed.
"We've been aggressive, let the opposition know they are in a contest," Bayliss said of the key to their bowling success.
NSW's Test spinner Nathan Lyon had 0-17 off 10 overs after turning heads with 2-15 off nine overs in the first innings.
"When he's bowling well he gets bounce, and he has had a bit of bounce here," Bayliss said of Lyon.
"And if he's bowling well the Gabba (in the first Test) is the place where he will get extra bounce as well."
Earlier, Haddin - opening with impressive youngster Nic Maddinson (72) - struck five fours and three sixes, including two off consecutive deliveries from Queensland leg-spinner Cameron Boyce (2-85).
His Test teammates Warner and Smith were both bowled by Alister McDermott (4-44).
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