Clayton 'thankful' for Khawaja's Test backing as Shield runs flow

Queensland's Jack Clayton scored his seventh Sheffield Shield century, in his first knock after Usman Khawaja said he was a contender for Test selection.

Victoria went to stumps 136 for 6 on day three in their second innings at the Gabba for an overall lead of 163 runs after Queensland's bowlers, headed by former Australia Under-19 representative Jem Ryan, bowled with great control.

Clayton, who has averaged 49.20 in his last 10 Shield innings, has also recorded strong first-innings scores of 82 and 67 previously this summer to take his season tally to 293 runs at an average of 73.25.

"Jack Clayton, who is a young guy that I played with, he's scored six centuries, averaging 38, and no one talks about him," Khawaja said on Kayo Sports during the second Test in South Africa. "He's played 42 games now. When they devalue Sheffield Shield cricket, it frustrates me. If Marnus is good enough to play for Australia with that Sheffield Shield record (of averaging 38.91), why can't any of these other guys play?"

Clayton said he learned a lot from the retired Khawaja at Queensland and valued his backing.

"I knew he thought I was a decent batter playing with him and he always tried to support me when he was here. I got a lot out of playing with him for four or five years," Clayton said. "For him to publicly say that was obviously a nice thing to do and I am thankful."

Clayton, 27, said it had "always been a goal of mine" to play for Australia.

"My main focus is scoring runs for Queensland and that kind of stuff will take care of itself," he said. "It was nice to get the hundred and put us in a good position in the game."

Victoria quick Matt Hennig claimed 4 for 54 on Shield debut, after impressing in his first List A match for the side last month against Tasmania.

Ryan, 22, then took to the bowling crease and had the visitors in early trouble. Sam Harper, fresh from being selected in the Australia T20 squad for the upcoming series against England, was out playing a T20-style shot. Queensland set the trap and Harper slapped an upper cut to fly slip off Ryan to fall for 6, after making an impressive 63 in his first innings.

Ryan has enjoyed a superb start to the Shield season, with 15 wickets in his three matches, and appears set for higher honours. His team-mate Cameron Gannon picked up 2 for 20 to go top of the wicket aggregate list with 18.