Steve Smith has issued an ominous warning to England ahead of the Ashes, slamming 118 for NSW in his first game of cricket in more than two months.

Fresh off a six-week stint in New York where he didn't pick up a bat, Smith looked in imperious touch as he helped NSW to 5-349 in the Sheffield Shield against Queensland.

After the opening day's play at the Gabba was washed out through rain, Kurtis Patterson also hit 122 for the Blues while youngster Will Salzmann impressed with 65 while opening.

The only sour point for NSW was Sam Konstas being bowled middle stump for 10, leaving a ball from left-armer Hayden Kerr that angled straight into his wickets.

Konstas is now essentially no chance of retaining his spot as Australia's opener, and could benefit from a summer out of the spotlight in

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