Queensland are trying to dig their way out of trouble after losing two quick wickets in reply to Tasmania’s 407 first innings in the Sheffield Shield clash in Brisbane.

On what is supposed to be a batsman-friendly Allan Border Field, 10 wickets have fallen on Thursday with a session still to go.

At tea on day two, the Bulls are 2-39 with opener Chris Hartley not out 25 and Chris Lynn unbeaten on 10.

Queensland were at one stage reeling at 2-7 after losing opener Nathan Reardon for three in the first over and Joe Burns for an eight-ball duck.

It was a reality check for the Bulls after they had hit back with the ball, ensuring Tasmanian batsman George Bailey fluffed his Test audition.

Bailey left the door open for Test No.6 rivals Shaun Marsh, Alex Doolan and Usman Khawaja when he failed to add to his overnight score of 34 and was caught behind off Ryan Harris.

Test quick Harris (2-127 off 34 overs) bowled with plenty of fire but not much luck in a lionhearted display ahead of this month’s Ashes opener.

But the feel good story was lanky quick Cameron Gannon who claimed 5-53 in his first Shield game back since his bowling action was cleared.

In all, Tasmania lost 8-116 on Thursday.

Ex-Test opener Ed Cowan (78) added just 10 runs to his overnight score before he was caught in the gully by that man Gannon.

Tasmania offered some resistance when stand-in wicketkeeper Ben Dunk (54) shared in a 74-run eighth wicket stand with Ben Hilfenhaus (25) before the Bulls bowling resumed their dominance.

The collapse was in contrast to Wednesday when Tasmania cruised with the bat after a 123-run opening stand by Jordan Silk (107) and Mark Cosgrove (74).