Queensland 2 for 122 trail Tasmania 6 for 500 dec (Ward 144, Silk 100*) by 378 runs

Queensland's star batters Marnus Labuschagne and Test hopeful Joe Burns blew promising starts against Tasmania in their Sheffield Shield match.

Labuschagne struck 32 from 29 balls but chopped an innocuous Lawrence Neil-Smith delivery onto his stumps - the inside edge just clipped, and removed, the leg bail.

Burns, seeking to press his claims for a Test recall for the Ashes series against England starting December 8 in Brisbane, also failed to capitalise on a lively start.

The opener - who, like Labuschagne, struck five fours - made 26 from 30 deliveries but was carelessly dismissed: he advanced down the pitch to spinner Jarrod Freeman but his drive was caught at wide mid-off.

Both Labuschagne and Burns departed as frustrated figures, missing out on a chance to cash-in on a batter-friendly pitch at Karen Rolton Oval.

Earlier, Tasmania batters Tim Ward and Jordan Silk posted centuries before the Tigers declared their first innings at the tea break.

The 23-year-old Ward, who moved from Sydney last year to join Tasmania on a rookie contract, made 144 in his second Shield match.

Silk was unbeaten on 100 - he registered his ton from 131 balls in the last over before tea and Tasmania promptly declared.

Silk scored 90 runs in Friday's middle session as Tasmania accelerated after Ward and nightwatchman Neil-Smith frustrated Queensland's bowlers in the opening session with a 54-run stand.

Queensland quick Michael Neser (2-60) and Mark Steketee (2-87) were multiple wicket-takers while Ward's impressive knock - a maiden first-class ton featuring 19 fours from 343 balls - ended when leg before wicket to spinner Matt Kuhnemann.