Bulls look to rookies after heavy bowling losses

Queensland's early-season troubles have continued with Michael Kasprowicz and Andy Bichel ruled out of the first Pura Cup match of the summer against Tasmania on Friday. Both fast bowlers missed the heavy FR Cup defeat to the Tigers on Wednesday night and were replaced in the four-day squad by the 20-year-old Ben Cutting and Chris Swan.

Kasprowicz (calf strain) and Bichel (shoulder problem) will look to return for the matches against New South Wales starting on October 24 and the Bulls will be desperate to have them back. Cutting had seen part of the one-day loss at the Gabba before heading to a pub across the road to start work, where he received news of his selection.

"The rest of the shift was a bit of a dream after that,'' he said. Cutting is an uncapped 192cm fast bowler who was part of the Academy setup during the winter and holds a rookie contract with the Bulls.

Swan, a Gold Coast swing bowler, has played one first-class match after being rushed into the side in similar circumstances at the start of last season. He picked up 2 for 85 and 3 for 56 but was not needed for the remainder of the campaign.

Queensland's batting has also been reshuffled after Jimmy Maher's decision to move from opener to No. 4. Ryan Broad and Greg Moller will be at the top of the order while Aaron Nye, who has had a strong start to the grade season, was also included in the line-up.

Queensland squad Ryan Broad, Greg Moller, Aaron Nye, Jimmy Maher (capt), Clinton Perren, Chris Simpson, Chris Hartley (wk), Ashley Noffke, Grant Sullivan, Chris Swan, Ben Cutting, Daniel Doran.

Tasmania squad Michael Di Venuto, Tim Paine, Michael Dighton, Travis Birt, George Bailey, Daniel Marsh (capt), Sean Clingeleffer (wk) Mark Divin, Brendan Drew, Chris Duval, Brett Geeves, Adam Griffith.