Rain delayed the start of play on day two of the Sheffield Shield clash between NSW and Queensland at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Friday.

Play was scheduled to begin at the earlier time of 10.30 (AEST), due to 29 overs being lost to rain on Thursday, but just as the covers were coming off the rain began to fall again.

NSW have made a steady start on a wicket suited to fast bowlers, with opener Phil Hughes’ making a classy 73 as the hosts reached 4-207 by stumps on day one.

Second-placed Queensland will be desperate for the rain to stay away for the remaining three days of the match, with a win against the fifth-placed NSW putting them in the box seat for a spot in the final.