Labuschagne stands tall as Blues eye victory

NSW have their sights on an opening-round Marsh Sheffield Shield win over Queensland despite defiant knocks from Joe Burns and Marnus Labuschagne at the Gabba in Brisbane.

The home side ended a rain-affected day three on Saturday facing a huge job to avoid defeat at 5-186, just 51 runs ahead of the Blues.

The Blues elected to declare at their overnight 9-288 after rain delayed play until the middle session to leave the visitors with a 135-run first-innings lead.

The NSW quicks made regular inroads into the Queensland top order with Trent Copeland (2-39) and Harry Conway (2-20) the key wicket-takers.

Test paceman Mitchell Starc was unable to find a groove with his 16 overs returning 0-69.

Queensland opener Joe Burns top-scored with a gritty 52 off 105 balls before he was caught by Steve Smith at second slip off Copeland.

After a bright start Labuschagne dug in to end the day 48 not out, having scored at a similar run rate as Burns.

Wicketkeeper Jimmy Peirson also remains at the crease unbeaten on 21 with only the tail to come.

Test batsman Usman Khawaja looked in promising form before being caught behind off the bowling of Sean Abbott (1-44) for 24.

David Warner, posting 125 for NSW on Friday on another rain-affected day, is the only player so far to pass 70 in the match.

Queensland XI: Matthew Renshaw, Joe Burns, Usman Khawaja (c), Marnus Labuschagne, Sam Heazlett, Charlie Hemphrey, Jimmy Peirson (wk), Michael Neser, Mark Steketee, Cameron Gannon, Billy Stanlake.

NSW Blues XI: Daniel Hughes, David Warner, Steve Smith, Moises Henriques, Nick Larkin, Nick Bertus, Peter Nevill (c/wk), Sean Abbott, Mitchell Starc, Trent Copeland, Harry Conway.