Matt Renshaw has failed to press his claims for a Test recall, with Queensland's tail showing him how it's done in their Sheffield Shield clash with NSW.
On a day when Renshaw fell for just 21 after catching a bottom edge off Nathan Lyon, it was left to the Bulls' lower order to lead with the bat at Canberra's Manuka Oval.
NSW were 0-33 at stumps on Saturday's second day after claiming a 19-run first-innings lead when Queensland were dismissed for 260.
Blues openers Daniel Hughes (12) and Nick Larkin (20) were unbeaten at stumps.
It could have been a very different situation had Lyon, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins put Queensland to the sword after having them in big trouble at 7-146.
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Instead, Queensland put on 114 for the final three wickets with Michael Neser (62) and No.9 Mark Stekete (41) - who smashed 17 off one Lyon over - providing stubborn resistance.
In stark contrast, Renshaw failed to make the most of the second life he was gifted after being dropped late on day one and push for an Australian recall this summer.
"I thought Michael Neser, the way that he batted was brilliant," Cummins said.
"There's not much you can do - the wicket's pretty good. A bit of bounce in there but it didn't really feel like we were going to get a lot of swing or nip.
"I thought we kept it pretty tight but were hoping for 150-160 at one stage. I think it showed how good the wicket is so 260 isn't bad."
Lyon was impressive in tearing through the Bulls' top order but copped some late heavy treatment to finish with 4-83 while Cummins took 3-41.
"Hopefully, we get into a position mid-tomorrow where we can really drive the game forward," Cummins said.
"You want to set them at least 300. If you can set them a bit more a bit quicker, even better.
"But I think it's still a pretty good wicket."
