Queensland search for a new captain

Queensland will be looking out for potential new leaders this season after Jimmy Maher announced he would quit the captaincy at the end of 2007-08. However, Maher has no immediate plans to retire from first-class cricket and wants to play for the Bulls for at least another three seasons.

Maher, 33, wants to help the new captain ease into the role in the same way he was assisted by his predecessor Stuart Law, and Law was helped by Allan Border. "AB played on for two more years after Law took over and was a great help to him and then Stu did the same for me when I took over, so hopefully I can help out whoever does the job and we get things on the right track,'' Maher said.

He said by making the decision public he hoped to avoid speculation about his future and allow the side to focus on the 2007-08 season. Maher took over the captaincy at the end of 2001-02, guiding the Bulls to a Pura Cup title in 2005-06 and a Ford Ranger Cup triumph last season. In each of those victories he led from the front with Man-of-the-Match performances.

Only Stuart Law (63) and Greg Chappell (45) have led Queensland in more Pura Cup matches than Maher's 43, which have brought 21 wins. He has also captained the Bulls 48 times in one-day games - more than any other Queensland leader - for 28 victories.