Neser (5-32) was the linchpin of the Bulls' attack at Adelaide's Gladys Elphick Park, as the Tigers fell for 250 inside the day after winning the toss and electing to bat.

"It was a day that kind of ebbed and flowed ... but we hung in there," said Neser, a fringe Test candidate.

"I'm just happy it went ahead and we get to play cricket."

At stumps, Queensland were 0-7 in response with Joe Burns (6) and Bryce Street (1) the not-out batsmen.

Ably supported by Xavier Bartlett (4-58), Neser at one stage claimed two wickets in four balls as the Tasmanians could not quite put together the big partnership that they often threatened.

Ex-Test player Khawaja will look to shine with the bat as he eyes yet another Australian call-up - but he has already done his bit in the field.

Ben McDermott (74) had seemed on track for the opening century of the season until caught sharply in the covers by Khawaja off the bowling of Bartlett.

The elegant left-hander went one better on the last ball before tea, claiming a brilliant catch on the second attempt after a rank short-ball by spinner Mitch Swepson (1-68).

Earlier, Australia captain Tim Paine failed with the bat on his return to first-class cricket.

Paine (4) was out late in the second session, slashing wildly at Bartlett, the veteran keeper-batsman caught neatly at second slip by fellow Test player Burns.

It was a disappointing return in his first first-class match in seven months.

Beau Webster looked the most assured of the Tasmanian batsmen, compiling a handy 54 off 77 balls at No.7 before he was caught by Swepson off the bowling of Bartlett.

New Tasmania recruit Peter Siddle added a useful 33 and will be hoping to continue his good touch with the ball to keep the Tigers in the match.

The first four rounds of the Sheffield Shield will be played at grounds around Adelaide because of biosecurity measures adopted for COVID-19.

Australian Associated Press