Hauritz dumped from state side

Former Australian Test off-spinner, Nathan Hauritz, has been dropped from the Queensland Bulls side ahead of their Pura Cup match against South Australia at the Gabba, scheduled to begin on Thursday. The selectors have overlooked the relatively young spinner and opted for a four-pronged pace attack, one including the likes of Andy Bichel and Ashley Noffke.

Just four months ago, Hauritz was in India donning the baggy green, matching it with the best in the world on his Test debut. Now, after poor Pura Cup season figures of just six wickets at 96 a piece, he finds himself in Brisbane grade cricket. Chairman of selectors Ray Phillips commented, “While Nathan’s ING cup form was pretty sound, we felt we needed more from him in the first-class arena at this stage of the season.” Adding, “We will keep monitoring his form at club level and at Bulls training.”

Queensland, currently positioned third on the ladder, desperately want a win on Thursday after their disappointing ING Cup final loss to Tasmania on Sunday. However, despite heading for the wooden spoon, Darren Lehmann’s men will be fired up for a win after an overall disappointing season for South Australia.

Full squads:

Queensland: Jimmy Maher (capt), Brendan Nash, Martin Love, Shane Watson, Clinton Perren, Craig Philipson, Wade Seccombe (wk), Andy Bichel, Ashley Noffke, Mitchell Johnson, Joe Dawes, Lachlan Stevens.

South Australia: Darren Lehmann (capt), Graham Manou (wk), Callum Ferguson, Daniel Harris, Nathan Adcock, Ryan Harris, Greg Blewett, Paul Rofe, Cameron Borgas, Tom Plant, Daniel Cullen, Shaun Tait.