Kasprowicz to lead Bulls

Michael Kasprowicz will become the first bowler to lead Queensland since Carl Rackemann following his selection today as captain of the XXXX Queensland Bulls for this week's Pura Cup clash with Tasmania at the Gabba.

Kasprowicz will lead the Bulls for the first time in the wake of captain Jimmy Maher's selection as captain of Australia 'A' that plays England in Hobart from Friday.

The Queensland selection panel of chairman Andrew Courtice, Paul Jackson and Dirk Tazelaar opted to hand the responsibility to the experienced pace bowler for the match starting on Thursday rather than recalling former captain Stuart Law.

Kasprowicz produced a mighty game in the Bulls' outright defeat at the hands of Victoria this week, taking 4-35 from 27 overs in the first innings, but admitted he was taken by surprise by the apppointment.

"I'm extremely honoured and flattered to be considered for this," he said.

"I'm really looking forward to leading the way in the match. It's a stand-in job so I'll be keen to continue everything that Jimmy has set up for the side."

"With Andy Bichel and Stuey Law in the team, there's still plenty of experience to call on so I don't imagine too much will change," he said.

Kasprowicz has a winning record as a first class captain, leading Leicestershire to victory in the 1999 English county season in his only appearance as skipper.

Courtice said the panel wanted Law to lead the way as a batsman without the added pressure of the captaincy.

"Stuart has done many fine things for Queensland as a captain but this is an opportunity for someone else have to have a go and it's a direction that I'm sure he will support, just like all the players in the team," he said.

"Stu's form has been solid and the reports from the coaching staff indicate to us that he is working hard and due to convert that hard work into some big scores for Queensland," Courtice said.

The selectors have also recalled rookies Daniel Payne and Scott Brant for the match.

Payne is expected to open the innings alongside Brendan Nash while left-arm seamer Brant to vie with Damien MacKenzie for the fourth bowling spot alongside pacemen Andy Bichel, Kasprowicz and Joe Dawes.

XXXX Queensland Bulls v Tasmania, Pura Cup, Thurs-Sun, The Gabba.

Bulls: Brendan Nash, Daniel Payne, Clinton Perren, Stuart Law, Andrew Symonds, Lee Carseldine, Wade Seccombe, Andy Bichel, Michael Kasprowicz (c), Joe Dawes, Damien MacKenzie. Scott Brant. (12th man to be named).

Tigers: Ricky Ponting (c), Jamie Cox (v-c), Michael Di Venuto, Michael Dighton, Shane Watson, Daniel Marsh, Sean Clingeleffer, Damien Wright, Scott Kremerskothen, David Saker, Shane Jurgensen, Xavier Doherty (12th man to be named).