Opening bat Cameron Bancroft is set to get another chance to push his case for national team selection when Australia A begin their run chase against New Zealand A in their four-day match.
But first, the hosts will have to remove the last two remaining New Zealand wickets in the day-night contest in Mackay.
At stumps on day three, New Zealand A progressed to 8-297 to lead by 299 runs.
The tourists were solid throughout the innings and never looked to be under any pressure in setting a target.
No.4 bat Tom Bruce anchored the innings, making an unbeaten 104 that contained nine boundaries and two sixes.
Bruce was given a solid foundation by opening bat Sean Solia (62 off 109 balls) and first-drop Dean Foxcroft (53 off 116 balls). The pair put on 72 before Bruce came to the wicket in the 33rd over and held his bat.
Mitchell Perry and Liam Hatcher were among the wickets again, chiming in for six scalps between them to give Australia A a fighting chance.
Perry finished with 3-58 to add to his 4-41 in the first innings, while Hatcher took 3-90 to go with his 4-77.
Once the chase begins on Thursday, all eyes will be on Bancroft who is trying to reclaim his place in the national team with David Warner set to retire in the summer.
The Western Australian opener was the Sheffield Shield's leading rungetter last season with 945 at an average of 59. He will be bursting for runs especially after being knocked over for just seven in the first innings.
The match is the second four-day game between the sides in Queensland, with three 50-over clashes to follow.
