BEN MCDERMOTT at RS in Townsville, Australia. Picture: Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images

Ben McDermott has hit a fighting half century but still has plenty of work to do to save Tasmania in their Sheffield Shield clash with Queensland at the Gabba.

At lunch on day three, the Tigers were 5-128 in their second dig with McDermott not out 69 and skipper Tim Paine unbeaten on 16.

They have shared an unbeaten 44-run stand after Gabe Bell was the only wicket to fall in Sunday's morning session, caught behind off Mark Steketee for two.

McDermott has led an impressive fightback with his 172-ball knock that has featured nine fours after the visitors were reeling at 3-0 on Saturday.

He resumed on day three at 35 not out after surviving a hat-trick ball from Michael Neser (2-22) on Sunday.

Despite McDermott's heroics, the Tigers still trail overall by 51 runs after resuming on Sunday at 4-72.

The Bulls were in total command after routing Tasmania for 78 in their first dig - their third lowest Shield total - before skipper Usman Khawaja's patient 56 and a wagging tail led the hosts to 257 in reply.

Queensland are third on the Shield ladder with three rounds to play while the Tigers are second-last.