Hayden makes rare Pura Cup appearance

Matthew Hayden will play his first Pura Cup match in more than two years when he lines up for Queensland against New South Wales at the Gabba on Thursday. Hayden is joined by Shane Watson, whose rehabilition from a partially dislocated shoulder continues, as the Bulls aim to stay in touch with the joint leaders NSW and South Australia.

Hayden, who missed Queensland's outright win over Western Australia two weeks ago because of a chest complaint, last batted in a Pura Cup match in December 2003, but his dropping from the national one-day side has given him a chance to find some first-class form before the tour of South Africa.

Ryan Broad and Ashley Noffke have been replaced and Daniel Doran, the legspinner who took five wickets on debut against the Warriors, retains his spot. Terry Oliver, the Bulls coach, said Michael Kasprowicz and Andy Bichel were certain to play after overcoming niggling complaints.

New South Wales have made no changes to the initial line-up that drew with Victoria in Lismore earlier this month. Brad Haddin, who left mid-match to play in Australia's one-day outfit, will lead the Blues as they attempt to move ahead of South Australia, who are also on 20 points. Queensland sit in fourth place on 16, two behind Victoria.

New South Wales squad Phil Jaques, Matthew Phelps, Craig Simmons, Corey Richards, Dominic Thornely, Brad Haddin (capt, wk), Aaron O'Brien, Grant Lambert, Matthew Nicholson, Aaron Bird, Doug Bollinger, Stuart MacGill.

Queensland squad Jimmy Maher (capt), Matthew Hayden, Martin Love, Shane Watson, Clinton Perren, Brendan Nash, Lachlan Stevens, Chris Hartley (wk), Mitchell Johnson, Andy Bichel, Michael Kasprowicz, Daniel Doran.