Queensland's Matt Renshaw has bombed his baggy green audition as Nick Larkin and Daniel Hughes starred to have NSW poised for victory in their Sheffield Shield clash in Canberra.
Renshaw looked despondent as he trudged off Manuka Oval after going for just six to leave the Bulls struggling at 2-51 in pursuit of 380 after day three.
Dismissed for just 21 in the first innings, the Queensland opener threw his wicket away when he slashed at a short and wide Josh Hazlewood delivery to be caught behind.
The pain on Renshaw's face was obvious after blowing his chance to push for an Australian recall for next month's first Test against India.
Test incumbent Marnus Labuschagne faired no better, also caught behind by Peter Nevill for four, off the bowling of Australian quick Mitchell Starc.
Labuschagne, coming in at No.3, had hit a patient 52 in the first innings.
Joe Burns (37) and Charlie Hemphrey (3) were not out as NSW close in on their first victory of the season.
The Blues appear to have a match-winning lead thanks to centuries from openers Larkin and Hughes.
"The wickets that have fallen probably aren't a reflection of the wicket," Larkin said.
"It's been a really good wicket. But it's nice to move the game forward when we had the opportunity. It took some fantastic batting from our middle order to shift the game in our direction.
"To get a couple of poles tonight gives us a head start into the fourth day."
NSW declared at 3-360 after Larkin smashed 23 boundaries for an unbeaten 175 - the fourth-highest score of the Shield season.
The right-hander produced his highest first-class score and his first Shield century in four years as he carried his bat.
Hughes punished the Bulls after being dropped by Mark Steketee at backward square leg on 26.
After bringing up his fourth Shield century - and his first for the season - he was dismissed just before tea for 116, caught in the deep trying to take on Mitchell Swepson.
Both sides are winless - with two draws and one loss - with reigning champions the Bulls on the bottom of the ladder.
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