Having inspired a miraculous win for Queensland in last week’s one-day cup cricket final against Victoria, fast bowler Ryan Harris hopes to help propel the Bulls into Sheffield Shield contention at the Gabba on Thursday.
Injury-dogged Harris, finding form following shoulder surgery last August, plays his first four-day game of the season as the Bulls host Tasmania in a crucial clash.
Last week, Harris grabbed 4-26 in 7.4 overs as the Bulls defended a modest rain-shortened total of 146.
The Queenslanders currently sit third (22 points) behind South Australia (24 points) and competition leaders Victoria (28 points) with just two Shield games remaining.
Lining up behind the Bulls in the battle to make the final are Western Australia (20 pts), Tasmania (18 pts) and NSW (17 pts).
Harris is one of three changes to the Queensland side which lost recently to Victoria, along with the addition of Australia A trio Alister McDermott, Cameron Boyce and Joe Burns.
Selectors had to find replacements for injured pair Matthew Gale (knee) and Nathan Hauritz (calf) while they axed young paceman Ronan McDonald.
The Bulls will also be without the services of Australia A speedster Ben Cutting, still recovering from a groin injury.
Given the way Australia is performing in India, Harris can make a bold statement to national selectors in the next few weeks.
“Playing for Australia is still a goal, but I haven’t played a Sheffield Shield game yet this season,” said Harris, whose wicked delivery to remove Clint McKay to a spectacular Chris Hartley overhead catch triggered one of the great victories in Bulls’ history.
“Right now I just want to win another Shield for Queensland, go and do my bit in the IPL, play some regular cricket and get stronger and stronger.”
The Tasmanians arrive in Brisbane on Tuesday hoping the extended wet weather clears enough for them to train.
Queensland squad: James Hopes (capt), Cameron Boyce, Joe Burns, Peter Forrest, Cameron Gannon, Ryan Harris, Chris Hartley, Alister McDermott, Dominic Michael, Greg Moller, Luke Pomersbach, Nathan Reardon, (12th man to be named).
