GIANT ASK AS BILLY CLOSES ON A RETURN

GOLD Coast’s towering inferno Billy Stanlake is set to play his first Sheffield Shield match in three years for Queensland next summer.

Stanlake is off to England for the first time in his life to bowl for the Australian 50 and 20 over sides next month and the giant fast bowler is gradually building towards a return to four-day cricket.

Australia has limited his workload over the past few years due to his vulnerability.

“If everything goes well and all goes to plan I will get the chance to play more red ball cricket next season,’’ said Stanlake.

Australia has at times been accused of being over protective of Stanlake but he has been inspired by the deeds of Pat Cummins.

Picture: GETTY IMAGES Quick Billy Stanlake has been restricted to shorter formats of the game in recent seasons.