Queensland's Hopes boosted by injury clearance

James Hopes, the Australia one-day allrounder, has been included in Queensland's Pura Cup final side after being cleared of a hamstring injury suffered in yesterday's draw with Western Australia. The Bulls named the same 12 that claimed first-innings points in the match and will attempt to beat New South Wales for the first time in a final at the Gabba from Friday.

Hopes was examined by the Bulls medical staff this morning and was given a positive report on the complaint that caused him to leave the field late in the game yesterday. A Queensland Cricket spokesman said he was expected to train with the team as normal later this week.

New South Wales have cut Jason Krejza , the offspinner, for the match on the usually seam-friendly Gabba and recalled the batsman Ed Cowan and the fast bowler Doug Bollinger in an extended 13-man squad. The Blues sealed their place in the final by finishing second after securing an outright victory against Victoria at the SCG yesterday.

Queensland Jimmy Maher (capt), Clinton Perren, Martin Love, Shane Watson, Andrew Symonds, Craig Philipson, James Hopes, Wade Seccombe (wk), Andy Bichel, Ashley Noffke, Joe Dawes, Mitchell Johnson.

New South Wales Phil Jaques, Greg Mail, Matthew Phelps, Dominic Thornely, James Packman, Ed Cowan, Brad Haddin (capt, wk), Doug Bollinger, Grant Lambert, Matthew Nicholson, Nathan Bracken, Stuart Clark, Stuart MacGill.