BRISBANE, Oct 18 AAP - New South Wales was facing a long, uphill run to overhaul Queensland's first innings total on the third day of the Pura Cup cricket match at the Gabba today.

The Blues went to lunch at 2-153 in their first innings, with Matthew Phelps on 58 and Michael Clarke on 36, but still a long way from the Bulls' total of 5-507 declared.

Michael Bevan was the only batsman out in the morning session, edging Michael Kasprowicz (1-38) behind from an ambitious pull shot without adding to his overnight score of 23.

Bevan faced 25 balls, typifying the Blues' cautious progress on a wicket on which Queensland century-makers Lee Carseldine and Brendan Nash said they never felt comfortable.

Phelps has faced 176 balls for his runs, while Clarke was less patient, prepared to take on the Queensland bowlers on another hot day.

© 2002 AAP

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