Western Australia 4 for 279 (Bancroft 116*, Cartwright 78, Sandhu 3-33) trail Queensland 6 for 295 dec by 16 runs

Western Australia opener Cameron Bancroft made his third century of the Sheffield Shield season to put his side in a strong position at stumps on day three of the clash with Queensland.

The former Test batsman was a study in concentration and class in an unbeaten 116 off 332 deliveries at the Gabba as the competition leaders finished day three on 4 for 279. The prospect of a result in the match appears slim after the first day was washed out due to rain.

Bancroft batted for all of the 112 overs bowled on day three. The same number of overs will be delivered on the final day to make up for lost time.

Queensland's attack stuck at their task well with Gurinder Sandhu miserly and threatening.

Bancroft and Sam Whiteman combined for a 90-run opening stand initially. Hilton Cartwright was the most aggressive of the batsmen and added 145 runs for the third wicket with Bancroft.

Bancroft is now the only Shield batter to have made three centuries this season and has scored 435 runs at an average of 48.33.

"I have played in some games this season where it has been challenging for batting and I have tried to enjoy it as much as possible," Bancroft told AAP. "I've tried not to over-complicate things that much and make my game more natural with my hands, my tapping, my head … all these really simple cues.

"There are days it happens well for me and days where it is challenging but if you can bridge those gaps then hopefully you can have more good days."

Bancroft said it would be tough to force a result on the final day.

"If we can get a lead that will be really nice and then have a bit of a dip but it is has been quite challenging having lost the first day," he said. "We have played some really good cricket this year and hopefully we can finish really solid this game."