Bichel bursts from injury cloud for domestic final

BRISBANE - Queensland paceman Andrew Bichel burst from an injury cloud today to nudge the confidence of Victoria ahead of tomorrow's first-class cricket final at the Gabba.

Bushrangers coach John Scholes insisted his players weren't directly worried about Bichel after the Test paceman recovered from a side strain.

But Scholes was at the Gabba at 8am today to watch the Bulls train, with Bichel and medical miracle Martin Love proving they could play.

Love passed a final test in front of selectors just two weeks after he underwent surgery on a broken thumb.

With a season average of 84.22, Love will join in-form batsmen Stuart Law and Jimmy Maher while Bichel will take the new ball in an intriguing five-day domestic final.

Bichel was always expected to play and the Bulls were delighted to slide him back into the most potent attack in the Pura Cup competition.

Bichel, Adam Dale and Joe Dawes have shared 123 wickets this season but the Bushrangers privately rate Bichel as the key to the attack.

He has taken 20 wickets at an average of 17.45 in his last four matches against the Bushrangers and was on Test duty when the Bulls drew at the MCG last November.

But Scholes said he wasn't specifically watching Bichel's fitness when he and another Bushrangers official attended training.

"I'm an early riser and I came down just to have a look at the conditions rather than sit in my (hotel) room," Scholes said.

"We obviously respect (Bichel) highly. He's a fantastic competitor.

"But this is not an individual thing. It's not about one person but obviously Andy is important to them.

"We're a team and everyone has to stand up."

The Bulls will rely on Bichel to help dismantle the strong Victorian batting order, led by dangerous openers Matthew Elliott and Jason Arnberger and in-form Brad Hodge.

Bichel said he would enjoy bowling first on a typical Gabba track which could leave the captains in two minds at the toss.

The first session will be critical with Victoria desperate for a good start as they fight their Brisbane nightmare.

The Bushrangers have won just once at the Gabba in the last 36 years but Scholes insisted his experienced squad no longer had a problem playing away.

"A lot of people have put an emphasis on the record but it's a long time and we've changed enormously in the last five years," Scholes said.

"Our playing record away from Melbourne is no longer an issue for us whether it be Western Australia, South Australia or here."

The Bulls have enjoyed a relaxed preparation, with the fitness of Love and Bichel the only uncertainties this week.

Love's recovery was remarkable but he won't be allowed to field in his usual role at first slip.

The 26-year-old was resigned to an outfield position where he would have time to ensure his good right hand took the impact of any ball.

Bulls selectors today omitted all-rounder Lee Carseldine from the squad after Love proved his fitness.

Young quick Ashley Noffke is expected to carry the drinks for Queensland while the Bushrangers have to settle on 12th man duties between spinners Cameron White and John Davison.

QUEENSLAND: Stuart Law (capt), Jimmy Maher, Jerry Cassell, Martin Love, Clinton Perren, Brendan Nash, Wade Seccombe, Andrew Bichel, Adam Dale, Joe Dawes, Scott O'Leary, Ashley Noffke (12th man to be named).

VICTORIA: Paul Reiffel (capt), Darren Berry, Jason Arnberger, Matthew Elliott, Matthew Mott, Brad Hodge, Michael Klinger, Jon Moss, Cameron White, Mick Lewis, Matthew Inness, John Davison (12th man to be named).