Queensland 240 and 5 for 111 (Khawja 53*) trail New South Wales 375 (Henriques 116, Nevill 88*, Abbott 86, Neser 4-60) by 24 runs

An outstanding 159-run partnership between Peter Nevill and Sean Abbott put New South Wales in control against Queensland on day three at the SCG.

Usman Khawaja posted his first half-century of the Shield season and remains unbeaten on 53 as Queensland are still 24 behind with just five wickets in hand

Nevill made an unbeaten 88 while Abbott made his highest first-class score of 86, just a week after both produced half-centuries against Victoria, to take the game away from Queensland following Moises Henriques century on day two.

Abbott struck eight fours and a six to pass his previous best of 79 before falling to Michael Neser who took four of the last five wickets of the innings. Nevill continued his excellent form with a patient 88 but was stranded 12 short of a century with three of the last four Blues batsmen falling for ducks.

Queensland's second innings started disastrously with Bryce Street run out by a superb direct hit from Steve O'Keefe before Matt Renshaw shouldered arms to Liam Hatcher and lost his off stump.

Khawaja fought hard scoring just four boundaries in his 53 which took 113 balls. No other Queensland batsmen passed 17. But the Bulls tail has been in good form this season, having helped the side out of several jams in the win over Victoria.