Renshaw 200, Neser century fire Bulls

Neser made a whirlwind 136 as the duo combined in a 257-run partnership.

When Neser departed, the Bulls declared on 6-477 in reply to NSW's first-innings 246.

The Blues were 4-96 at stumps in their second visit to the crease when bad light stopped play.

Five of Renshaw's 15 boundaries were sixes as he upped the ante after steadying the innings early.

The 26-year-old's knock surpassed the 184 he made for Australia against Pakistan in 2017, and his display showed a game that has developed hugely since his formerly conservative approach to his craft. 

Renshaw's century was his first as an opening batsman for the Bulls since 2017-18 and continued the form he displayed for Somerset in English county cricket this year, where he twice passed the hundred mark.

"It's nice to get some runs. I spent the last couple of years in the No.5 spot, then went to England and opened over there," Renshaw said.

"So I didn't feel too uncomfortable. It was just about discipline. I felt like I waited for the scoring times to come."

Renshaw's knock could have ramifications beyond this match.

Captain Usman Khawaja moved him back to his former position at the top of the list to benefit the Bulls, and with the hope of revitalising Renshaw's Test career.

He played the last of his 11 Tests in 2018 but with current Australia openers Khawaja and David Warner nearing the end of their careers he has shown the selectors he has the ability to change gears in challenging conditions.

Neser's previous best was an innings of 121 in the Shield two seasons ago.

The 32-year-old, who played one Test for Australia in 2018, brought up his ton with a cut shot to deep point from Australia spinner Nathan Lyon and then went into overdrive.

"They batted ruthlessly," NSW skipper Kurtis Patterson said.

"Sometimes you have to give credit where it's due."

Bulls legspinner Mitch Swepson (2-42 ) was the pick of the bowlers and also ran out Blues opener Blake Nikitaris (46).