Test batsman Steven Smith has helped NSW cruise to a commanding 2-247 at tea on the opening day of their Sheffield Shield clash with Queensland in Brisbane.

In an encouraging sign ahead of next week’s Ashes opener at the Gabba, Smith looked untroubled at the crease as he moved to 38 not out with Scott Henry unbeaten on 57 in their unbroken 76-run partnership.

Queensland’s only joy in the middle session came when opener Nic Maddinson (87) was caught behind off allrounder Michael Neser (1-43), ending a 76-run second wicket stand with Henry.

Australian Twenty20 international Maddinson tried to pick up where Test opener David Warner (52 off 62 balls) left off, hitting 11 fours and a six at Allan Border Field but fell short of a Shield century.

Earlier Warner thrashed six fours and a six before chancing his arm once too often on the small suburban ground.

Warner brought up his half century in style by smashing leg spinner Cameron Boyce (1-53) out of the ground for six.

But next ball Warner tried to repeat the feat, only to send it down the throat of Usman Khawaja on the white picket fence boundary at deep mid-wicket.