Queensland completed a comprehensive win over Victoria, while things stayed tight at the WACA and Adelaide Oval.
But which Australian Test hopefuls put their hands up for an Ashes spot as the Sheffield Shield's opening round continued?
Only Ussie can tame Gabba green-top
The Bulls wrapped up victory over the Bushrangers within three days, with Usman Khawaja the only batsman emerging from the game with his head held high.
Khawaja's ton was excellent, and will confirm his spot at number three for the first Test, but the selectors will be a little concerned how poorly the rest of the field fared in Brisbane.
Travis Dean managed only 28, Glenn Maxwell 20 and Peter Handscomb a slow, steady 34.
Batting conditions were tough, but this is the same ground that will host the first Ashes Test in less than a month. Thank goodness for Ussie.
Starc tunes up in style
Overshadowed by Trent Copeland on day one, Mitchell Starc left it late to show how damaging he can be on day two against South Australia.
A sensational late spell saw him pick up three quick wickets and destroy the Redbacks' middle order, bowling quickly, accurately and with the sort of movement that turns him from a tidy bowler into a game-breaking one.
It was a day for the bowlers all round, with Jack Wildermuth, Sam Rainbird and Matthew Kelly all among the poles.
The bowling attack for the first Test may well be decided already, but it's reassuring to see how many young quicks are lurking in the shadows, preparing for a chance that may eventually come.
Initiative yet to be seized in middle order fight
Another day down, and we are still no closer to knowing who will bat at six and seven for Australia against England at the Gabba.
Shaun and Mitch Marsh both missed out in the second innings, Hilton Cartwright managed a decent but not entirely convincing 38, Travis Head got a first-ball duck, Marcus Stoinis managed 32 and, as mentioned, Maxwell missed out again.
Really, only Khawaja and David Warner have looked primed for the first Test so far, with even Steve Smith struggling — three runs and a dropped catch not a great start for the Australian skipper.
Meanwhile, Peter Nevill missed his chance to make the keeping spot his own, out for 20 early on day two. It might only take one big innings in the next few for a keeper to nab that spot.
Queensland v Victoria
Western Australia v Tasmania
South Australia v New South Wales
