Captain James Hopes has pulled out of Queensland’s Sheffield Shield clash with Victoria at the Gabba due to injury.

The Bulls will welcome their third debutant for the Shield clash starting on Saturday when allrounder Simon Milenko replaces Hopes (rib).

Wicketkeeper Chris Hartley takes over the reins from Hopes, who was troubled by the rib complaint throughout the recent Big Bash League.

Hopes is aiming to contest the Bulls’ next Shield game against Tasmania in Hobart starting on February 16.

Milenko – who made his Queensland one-day and BBL debuts earlier this summer – will join batsmen Charlie Hemphrey and Michael Philipson as Shield first-timers on Saturday against the Bushrangers.

Table-toppers Victoria will be hot favourites against dead-last Queensland.

Bulls Shield squad: Cameron Boyce, Joe Burns, Ben Cutting, Luke Feldman, Peter Forrest, Peter George, Chris Hartley (capt), Charlie Hemphrey, Chris Lynn, Simon Milenko, Michael Philipson, Mark Steketee. (12th man to be named)