Usman Khawaja has produced his best innings of the season just three weeks out from the Ashes, with a timely 87 for Queensland against NSW in the Sheffield Shield.

In a match that appears destined to for a draw, Queensland went to stumps on day three at 4-238 in reply to the Blues' first-innings score of 7(dec)-429.

Matt Renshaw missed out on a chance to further press his Test claims on Thursday when bowled for 29, while Marnus Labuschagne was also out for five.

But there were at least positive signs for Khawaja, with the veteran's form looming as crucial for Australia this summer.

While all eyes have been on who will partner him at the top against England, Khawaja only averaged 15.37 in four Tests last winter.

The 38-year-old has had scores of 69, 46 and 0 in the Shield for Queenslan

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