Hartley's heroics give Bulls upper hand

Tasmania have faltered in their first-innings run chase in their Sheffield Shield match against Queensland after Bulls skipper Chris Hartley posted his 10th first-class century at the Gabba.

At stumps on day two, the Tigers are 4-113 in reply to the Bulls' 9(dec)-405, inspired by Hartley's unbeaten ton.

George Bailey (36no) has helped Tasmania regroup with an unbeaten 45-run fifth-wicket stand with Dom Michael (27no).

After clean-bowling Tigers opener Jake Hancock with a ripping inswinger in his first over, Michael Neser (2-19) has been the pick of the Queensland bowlers.

Hartley struck a superb 102 before declaring Queensland's first dig just after lunch.

Queensland resumed at 6-251, with the gloveman not out 31, after Joe Burns top-scored on day one with 83.

Hartley's 200-ball knock lasted almost five hours and included nine fours and one six.

It was his first of this Shield season in his return from a broken finger that sidelined him for the entire KFC Big Bash League.

For Tasmania, Shield debutant Andrew Perrin (3-84) and Cameron Stevenson (3-77) were the most successful with the Dukes ball introduced this Shield round.

The English Dukes balls have replaced usual manufacturer Kookaburra to help Australian cricketers prepare for the 2019 Ashes tour.

Second-bottom Tasmania need a win against the third-placed Bulls to keep their Shield final hopes alive.