The stage was set for Khawaja to state his case ahead of the upcoming series against Pakistan when he arrived at the crease late on Sunday, the Bulls cruising at 1-47 and chasing 150 for victory.

However the elegant left-hander was caught behind for a golden duck to add to a first innings dig of just two, as Queensland lost a remarkable five wickets in 14 balls.

Bulls coach Wade Seccombe admitted Khawaja could count himself unlucky with replays indicating the ball hit his back pad rather than his bat.

"He didn't have the rub of the green in both innings which is unfortunate given the circumstances but we all know what a great player he is," he told AAP.

"There is no doubt he is going to score runs at the next level again.

"Ussie is (mentally) strong, he is the leader of our group, the life of our dressing room so there are no concerns there - he just didn't get the chocolates this game."

Khawaja was overlooked for the final two Ashes Tests in England after making just 122 runs at 20.3 in six innings.

However experts had backed him for a recall in the opening Test against Pakistan starting at the Gabba on November 21 thanks to his stunning baggy green form on home soil.

While his career batting average sits at 40.66 from 44 Tests, Khawaja averages 52.97 in Australia where he has struck six of his eight centuries.

But he appears behind the eight ball as selectors mull over their first Test outfit after his underwhelming Shield return.

Test vice-captain Travis Head is also under pressure after he too squandered another chance to impress, again falling cheaply for South Australia.

After a 25-ball first innings duck, he did himself no favours when caught off a loose drive for 12 in the Redbacks' second dig.

Head had been battling for a baggy green return since his surprise omission from the final Ashes Test but the door appeared ajar after chief selector Trevor Hohns admitted spots were "up for grabs".

Adding to his chances, all-rounder Mitchell Marsh - who replaced him in the final Ashes Test - broke his hand punching a wall in frustration following his Shield dismissal batting for Western Australia against Tasmania.

Another Test threat, NSW left-hander Kurtis Patterson, is battling a quad complaint.

Elsewhere, Ashes Test squad member Michael Neser backed up his impressive 5-56 first innings haul for Queensland by snaring 2-37 in the Redback's second innings on Sunday.

And Mitchell Starc is zeroing in on a ten-wicket haul, claiming his ninth scalp of the match for NSW against Tasmania.

WA veteran Shaun Marsh scored a classy 214 against Victoria at the WACA, with Bushrangers paceman James Pattinson finishing with 4-117.

Australian Associated Press