NO PRESSURE ON PEIRSON

Bulls gloveman out to impress selectors in Sheffield Shield clash in NQ

QUEENSLAND gloveman Jimmy Peirson has exploded up the ranks to be one of the frontrunners to take over from Tim Paine when he hangs up the baggy green.

The 29-year-old, who admitted he had thought “a few times” about taking over the international duties, was adamant he could not let his focus dwell too long on the role or it might just slip through his fingers.

The Bulls leader believed it would be consistency and runs at Sheffield Shield level that would be key to realising his dream, and that means getting down to business in North Queensland this week.

Ironically, the last time

Peirson walked out to bat at Townsville’s Riverway Stadium, he was wearing the green and gold of Australia in an under-19 international series against England in 2011.

The wicketkeeper-batter has started the season with two centuries in two games for the Bulls, both of which they drew in South Australia.

The nine-year Shield veteran said he felt he was in career-best form.

“I am feeling fantastic, I think over the last couple of years I have really understood my game,” he said.

“I have worked out how I like to score my runs and I have a formula I work towards each time I’m at the crease.

“I have worked out my preparation and I have become specific and pointed with what I do. I stay in the game a bit more. I look at the game a different way.

“I have a clear plan walking into a game and how I take on each bowler that I come up against. I think it’s come with experience. The penny didn’t drop until I was a bit older.

“I would have liked it a few years ago, but you have to have those scars and setbacks to learn from them.”

The Bulls face Tasmania in Townsville this week after the two sides played out a draw at Karen Rolton Oval in the opening round of the season.

The Sheffield Shield clash will run from October 27-30 while the two sides will also play in a One Day Cup clash next Monday.