Melbourne, Oct. 30 -- With the first Ashes Test coming closer, veteran Usman Khawaja found some form while contenders for the second opening spot, Marnus Labuschagne and Matt Renshaw struggled on day three of the Sheffield Shield on Thursday. Nathan McSweeney, representing South Australia, registered a century to keep himself in the hunt for the second opening slot as well.

Starting day three at 349/5, New South Wales posted a total of 429/7 declared, with Steve Smith (118) and Kurtis Patterson (122) posting centuries. Queensland was solid in their response, ending their day at 238/4, trailing by 191 runs. Khawaja (87 in 127 balls, with 12 fours) had a 94-run opening stand with Matt Renshaw (29), the recent ODI debutant, while Labushagne...