Vic bats push Test cases in Shield

Victoria's Marcus Harris has hit a timely half century after Test opener Aaron Finch failed with the bat in the Sheffield Shield clash with Queensland at the Gabba

Harris will still be sweating on a Test debut against India next week after Victoria captain Peter Handscomb also continued to pile on the runs.

Opener Harris helped rescue the Vics from early trouble in their second innings on Wednesday, striking an impressive 62 in a 104-run third-wicket stand with Handscomb (53).

At stumps on day two, the visitors were 5-157 holding an overall lead of 53 with Glenn Maxwell not out 29.

Harris appeared back in the mix for next week's first Test in Adelaide after recovering from a first innings Gabba failure to post his 16th first class half century.

As selection chairman Trevor Hohns looked on, the left-handed opener sparked the Vics who were reeling at 2-3 after Finch fell for just one from four balls.

A member of Australia's 14-strong squad for the first Test, Harris did his best to secure his first baggy green by stroking 10 fours in his 80-ball knock.

It took his Shield tally to 439 runs at 73.1.

However, Harris will be taking nothing for granted after Handscomb backed up from his defiant 81 in the first dig.

Australian coach Justin Langer said his batting line-up for Adelaide would be determined by the Gabba clash with Handscomb vying with Harris for a final spot in the top six.

Earlier, Test quick Peter Siddle claimed 4-62 as the Vics hit back to dismiss the Bulls for 27.

Queensland were cruising at 2-162 on Wednesday before ex-Test opener Joe Burns' dismissal for 96 triggered a collapse.

The Bulls at one stage lost 5-44 with Siddle taking two wickets in three balls before dumped Test batsman Marnus Labuschagne's 47 steered the hosts to a 104-run first innings lead.

Scott Boland (3-50) snared the prized scalp of Burns, ending his impressive 118-ball knock which featured seven fours and three sixes.

Test squad member Chris Tremain took 2-58.

Six members of Australia's 14-strong first Test squad are playing in the Gabba Shield clash.

Qld: Matthew Renshaw, Joe Burns, Usman Khawaja (c), Charlie Hemphrey, Marnus Labuschagne, Jack Wildermuth, Jimmy Peirson (wk), Michael Neser, Mark Steketee, Mitchell Swepson, Luke Feldman

Vic: Travis Dean, Marcus Harris, Aaron Finch, Peter Handscomb (c), Glenn Maxwell, Seb Gotch (wk), James Pattinson, Chris Tremain, Peter Siddle, Scott Boland, Jon Holland