BRISBANE, Oct 17 AAP - The New South Wales bowlers finally stopped Brendan Nash today but only after the Queensland opener steered the Bulls into a strong position in the Pura Cup cricket match at the Gabba.

Nash was dismissed for 176 before Queensland went to lunch on the second day at 5-390 in its first innings.

Lee Carseldine (58 not out) posted his first half-century for the Bulls during a 120-run stand with Nash, who edged Stuart MacGill (2-107) to wicketkeeper Brad Haddin.

The left-handed Nash faced 354 balls in 470 minutes, reaching his highest first-class score.

His dismissal was the Blues' only joy during a tough first session, coping with temperatures approaching 33 degrees in Brisbane.

The NSW bowlers have been unable to make consecutive breakthroughs since sending the Bulls into bat yesterday, conceding partnerships of 86, 79, 30, 60 and 120.

There were too many easy runs for the Queensland batsmen, who ran several quick singles.

Bulls wicketkeeper Wade Seccombe survived two confident shouts from MacGill to reach nine not out at the break, perhaps leaving new Queensland captain Jimmy Maher to decide when to declare later today.

New Blues skipper Simon Katich has some concerns with his batsmen needing to recover from the heat and the long stint in the field to take on the Queensland quicks.

© 2002 AAP

This report does not necessarily represent the views of the Australian Cricket Board.