Test discard Michael Clarke can't expect an immediate recall to the Australian side despite a brilliant 201 not out for NSW in its rain-marred Pura Cup draw with Queensland at the SCG on Tuesday.

Queensland held on for a draw after NSW declared at lunch on Tuesday at 7-488 to claim a first innings lead of 222.

Handed the task of surviving two sessions for a draw, the Bulls reached 4-162 when play ended at 6.36pm, with Ashley Noffke (15 not out) and Craig Philipson (45 not out) sharing an unbroken fifth-wicket stand of 56 in 85 minutes.

Queensland skipper Jimmy Maher made a determined 60 in 187 minutes, hitting 10 fours.

Defending champion NSW takes two points from the match to lead the competition on 20 points from four matches, while Pura Cup finalists the Bulls slip to fourth on 10 points.

Lifting his Pura Cup average this season to 395.00, Clarke smashed his highest first-class score. The NSW No.4 hit 25 fours and one six from 282 balls and batted for six-and-a-half hours.

Resuming on 5-331 on Tuesday in reply to Queensland's 266, the Blues consolidated with a 97-run partnership for the seventh wicket between Clarke and Grant Lambert (37) before declaring.

Clarke pulled a short ball from Mitchell Johnson for six to pass his previous highest score of 178 against South Australia last month.

Dropped from the Test side last week after concerns over his technique and shot selection at the vital No.4 position, Clarke raced from his overnight score of 107 to 199, bringing up his double century in the last over of the 151-minute opening session.

Having chipped a cheeky single to mid-on, Clarke waved his bat gleefully to the dressing room in celebration.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP