Mixed bag for Bulls’ run home

AUSTRALIA’S Test and oneday overhaul has delivered a win-loss scenario for Queensland as the Bulls return to the Sheffield Shield arena.

The Bulls begin the second half of the Shield season against the Bushrangers in Victoria today.

Queensland captain Usman Khawaja will miss the clash after being called to the oneday international arena for Australia’s tour of India.

But the Test team’s overhaul means Marnus Labuschagne and Joe Burns will return to Queensland with experience under their belts. After being overlooked for the India series, Burns whacked 180 against Sri Lanka in his last match after being recalled to the Test team.

Labuschagne played five Tests in his debut summer.

The second half of the competition will see Dukes balls used in preparation for this year’s Ashes series in England.

Bulls opener Matt Renshaw is on the selection radar for the Ashes and can strengthen his claims with a solid back end of the tournament against the swinging red ball.

The Bulls are sitting third on the Shield ladder, with two wins, two draws and two losses from their opening six matches.

There are four rounds remaining in the competition, with Queensland needing to finish in the top two to have a chance to defend their 2017-18 title. BULLS: James Peirson (c), Joe Burns, Luke Feldman, Cameron Gannon, Sam Heazlett, Charlie Hemphrey, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan McSweeney, Michael Neser, Matthew Renshaw, Mark Steketee and Mitch Swepson.