The odds seemed stacked against Queensland ahead of the Sheffield Shield final with Tasmania starting in Hobart on Friday.
An hour after a Queensland Cricket release claimed Alister McDermott had been passed fit for the Shield decider, Bulls medical staff bit the bullet and ruled the fast bowler out with a back injury.
Adding to the confusion, Bulls captain James Hopes was named in their 12-strong squad for the final but will not fly out to Hobart with the team on Wednesday as he sweats on the birth of his first child.
But the visitors will still arrive in Hobart confident of adding back-to-back Shield titles to a 2012-13 haul that already includes the domestic one-day crown and the Brisbane Heat’s Twenty20 triumph.
“I read that the (NSW) Blues are the only team to have held the one-day and Shield titles at the same time so what we are aiming to do has never been done I suppose,” Bulls wicketkeeper Chris Hartley said.
“We have found ourselves in different situations where we have been right up against it but this team seems to rise when we are challenged.
“I think it is something in Queensland sport that we relish, having that challenge to rise up to.
“But I jokingly said to the boys we are allowed to get out in front and stay there if we want.”
McDermott – a key member of last year’s Shield win over the Tigers at the Gabba – made a last-gasp effort to be fit for the re-match in Hobart after missing Queensland’s last round miracle outright win over Western Australia.
His hopes were no doubt raised when Queensland Cricket put out a release confirming his availability.
However, McDermott cut a disconsolate figure as he walked out of Queensland Cricket headquarters barely an hour afterwards when told by chairman of selectors Trevor Hohns that he would not be risked.
Ronan McDonald retains his spot in the 12-man squad and fellow quick Cameron Gannon, who missed the WA game due to illness, has also been included.
Hopes will remain with his wife Maria when the Bulls fly out on Wednesday and Hartley said he would understand if their champion allrounder missed the decider.
“As a coach Darren (Lehmann) cares about players as people rather than just cricketers – he has made it clear family comes first,” he said.
