Queensland made slow progress in the rain-interrupted first session of the Sheffield Shield match against South Australia at the Gabba.

The Bulls went into the lunch break on one for 16, with Usman Khawaja 12 not out in his Queensland debut and Andrew Robinson unbeaten on three.

With overcast conditions and a green wicket, Redbacks skipper Nathan Lyon sent the Bulls into bat and received early reward when Wade Townsend fell leg before to Chadd Sayers from his second delivery faced.

Shortly after the resumption of play, following a 54 minute rain delay, Khawaja, on 11, received a reprieve when Gary Putland dropped him at long leg off the bowling off Sayers.

Robinson took 35 balls to get off the mark at the other end as inexperienced new-ball duo Putland and Sayers bowled a tight line outside off stump.

Khawaja’s fellow NSW recruit Nathan Hauritz must wait a little longer to play his first game of his second stint at Queensland, having been named as 12th man on a wicket more suitable for seam bowling.

Another former Blues player, opener Phil Hughes, is making his debut for the Redbacks, as is all-rounder Sam Miller.