Test leaders depart after Khawaja shines

Test captain Steve Smith has helped NSW move to 3-83 in reply to Queensland's 183 at stumps on day one of their top of the table Sheffield Shield clash in Brisbane.

Smith was caught at bat-pad for 44 off Jack Wildermuth on the stroke of stumps at Allan Border Field on Monday.

He had put on 47 for the second wicket with Test deputy David Warner (26) who was caught cutting Wildermuth (2-13).

Earlier, Test batsman Usman Khawaja hit an unbeaten 78 as a second string NSW pace attack made short work of Queensland after the hosts won the toss.

Khawaja was the only Bulls batsman to look comfortable with only five Queenslanders reaching double figures despite the table topping Blues resting their Test pace trio of Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins.

Under pressure Test opener Matt Renshaw was among the Bulls batsmen to struggle, caught behind for 16.

Ex-Test quicks Trent Copeland (3-33) and Doug Bollinger (3-38) combined with Australia off-spinner Nathan Lyon (3-59) to roll the Bulls.

Khawaja looks primed for the first Test starting at the Gabba on November 23 after moving his Shield tally to 295 at 98.33.

But Renshaw missed a chance to alleviate pressure on his Test spot before the Australian squad is named on Friday for next week's Ashes opener.

Renshaw was given caught behind by 'keeper Peter Nevill off Copeland in just the 12th over.

Renshaw appeared unhappy with the decision, standing his ground before trudging off.

He has just 69 Shield runs at 13.80 this summer.

In contrast, Queensland No.3 Khawaja looked untroubled after arriving at the crease in the fifth over with the Bulls 1-11 when Joe Burns fell for two.

His 192-ball innings lasted more than four hours and featured eight fours and a six.

NSW gloveman Nevill - reportedly in line to replace incumbent Test 'keeper Matthew Wade for the Ashes opener - nabbed four catches.

Queensland: Joe Burns, Matt Renshaw, Usman Khawaja (c), Marnus Labuschagne, Sam Truloff, Jack Wildermuth, Jimmy Peirson, Mitchell Swepson, Michael Neser, Brendan Doggett, Luke Feldman. Mark Steketee 12th.

NSW: David Warner, Nic Maddinson, Steve Smith (c), Kurtis Patterson, Moises Henriques, Daniel Hughes, Peter Nevill (wk), Trent Copeland, Sean Abbott, Nathan Lyon, Doug Bollinger. Harry Conway (12th man)