While his rivals scrambled for a Test spot, Matthew Hayden proved he was the best opening batsman in Australia when he drove Queensland past Western Australia in the Pura Cup clash at the Gabba today.

Hayden crashed 143 to lead the Bulls to first innings points after three days, tormenting the Warriors in a clear sign he was ready for the first Test against New Zealand on November 8.

Just who will face the new ball with him remains uncertain after Jamie Cox and Greg Blewett scored centuries in their respective matches, but incumbent Justin Langer remains the favourite after his 96 against the Bulls yesterday.

Hayden was more authoritative than Langer, providing the backbone of Queensland's 6-403 declared in reply to the Warriors' abbreviated first innings of 8-360.

The visitors were 0-16 at stumps, leaving the door open for an intriguing finish tomorrow if rival captains Stuart Law and Adam Gilchrist set up a run chase.

Hayden became Queensland's leading century-maker in domestic four-day matches when he scored his 23rd ton, moving off a mark which included Law, the late Peter Burge and leading run-maker Sam Trimble.

For all those centuries, Hayden has never entered an Australian summer guaranteed of a spot in the first Test - until now.

"It's great to be look at a record like that and think that you've got it," Hayden said.

"But you only have to look around the place to see that there is plenty of other blokes getting runs.

"I was just really happy with the tempo of my innings today because I've done a lot of hard work and it was terrific to get a century."

Hayden was dangerous at times, belting an off-drive which almost knocked over Marcus North at mid-off before he fired a towering drive into the 12th row of the northern stand, missing a spectator by less than one metre.

He played relatively straight for his first 100 runs and the knock was the highlight of a top-order assault which included a lively 73 from opener Jimmy Maher and a typically professional 78 from No.3 Martin Love.

They pushed the score to 1-288 before veteran Jo Angel (3-70) found the spot with the second new ball.

He removed Love, Clinton Perren (seven) and Andrew Symonds (15) and the Bulls only wobbled past the Warriors total before Law (35) eventually declared with 12 overs until stumps.

Langer hadn't scored when he survived a confident shout for a catch behind off Andrew Bichel, probably leaving the match in need of a sporting declaration tomorrow to ensure a result.

"It's a shame we didn't get a wicket tonight because it looks like a draw," Hayden said.

"But there are 112 overs tomorrow so maybe they will make a game of it."

© 2001 AAP