Barsby's exit overshadows Queensland win

Queensland 210 (Philipson 60, Duffield 4-58) beat Western Australia 132 (Swan 3-28) by 78 runs
Scorecard

James Hopes' shock promotion to Queensland's caretaker coach began with a victory after he replaced Trevor Barsby on a sensational day for the Bulls. Barsby stepped down after a meeting on Wednesday morning due to an "unworkable" situation with his players and support staff.

Before the season Barsby, who was in charge since 2008, had his contract extended to 2012, but he made the decision to walk away after five squad members were questioned by Queensland Cricket's board on Tuesday night. "We're not sacking Barsby," Jim Holding, Queensland Cricket's chairman, said at the Gabba.

"Trevor made his own decision this morning to stand down. No players directly approached me and said there was a problem. When Trevor decided that his relationship with the playing group and support staff was unworkable, I can tell you some of the players we spoke to yesterday said it was becoming unworkable."

The Bulls are having a difficult season after the campaign began with Chris Simpson being replaced as captain by Hopes. The allrounder Hopes is currently out with a hand injury but was put in off-field charge for the win over Western Australia. He will also coach for the four-day game starting on Friday.

Queensland's young line-up posted 210 in their 45 overs, with Jason Floros leading the recovery from 4 for 44 in difficult conditions. Floros finished with 60 while Craig Philipson (35) and Nathan Rimmington (32 off 24 balls) also provided valuable contributions.

Ryan Duffield collected 4 for 58 from 12 overs before the Warriors slipped to 132 in their chase. Chris Swan led the locals with 3 for 28 while Ben Cutting, Luke Feldman and Alister McDermott got two each, giving the new captain Ben Dunk a 78-run win.

However, the result was overshadowed by Barsby's sudden exit. Barsby, who took the side to two Sheffield Shield finals, went on immediate leave but plans to discuss his employment situation with the board. "We will look at the coaching options for the Bulls for the rest of the summer as a matter of urgency,'' Holding said.