A Joe Burns-inspired Queensland have been bowled out for 281 in their first innings to hold an overall lead of 36 runs early on day three of their Sheffield Shield clash with Tasmania at the Gabba on Saturday.

Burns was the last man out for 120, ending a match-turning innings lasting almost six hours.

The Australia A batsman arrived at the crease facing a hat-trick ball and with Queensland in deep trouble at 3-18 in reply to Tasmania’s 245 after Ben Hilfenhaus took three wickets in four balls.

But he proved a thorn in the Tigers’ side after rescuing Queensland from 4-30, 5-90 and 6-112 with his fifth Shield ton.

Burns added to Tasmania’s pain early on Saturday when he was dropped by Luke Butterworth at first slip on 110 off Hilfenhaus.

Ex-Test seamer Hilfenhaus (4-84) finally got his man when Burns tried to add to his tally of nine fours and two sixes, only to sky a catch to Tigers captain George Bailey at mid-off.

Bulls captain James Hopes (72) provided able support in a 138-run seventh wicket stand with Burns on Friday.

Rain delayed the start of day three action on Saturday for half an hour before Queensland resumed at 9-262.