Batsman back after two years with shoulder problems

Kruger wins on Queensland contract list

Cricinfo staff

June 8, 2006

Matthew Hayden's club record was stolen by Nick Kruger, who returns to the Bulls squad © Getty Images

Nick Kruger, the left-hand batsman, has been given a further boost in his successful rehabilitation from two serious shoulder operations by winning back a full Queensland contract after a stunning grade season. Kruger, a 23-year-old Valley opener, overtook Matthew Hayden's club record last summer with 903 runs at an average of 82, including a highest score of 206 and a pair of 190s.

Kruger first appeared for Queensland in 2002-03, but he struggled with his shoulder and lost his state deal during his recovery. He joins the fast bowlers Nathan Rimmington and Grant Sullivan on the full-contract list after the pair was promoted from the rookie level. Ben Cutting, the Australia Under-19 fast bowler, has been handed a rookie contract while Ryan Broad and Daniel Doran, who made their first-class debuts in 2005-06, accepted total offers.

Nathan Hauritz, who has left for New South Wales, Joe Dawes and Aaron Nye were dropped from the list and so was Steve Paulsen, who was too old for a rookie posting. Nathan Reardon and Ryan Le Loux, who both earned full contracts during 2005-06, were dropped back a rung for next summer. Murray Bragg will be the understudy to Chris Hartley after he was awarded a rookie deal.

Squad Andy Bichel, Ryan Broad, Daniel Doran, Chris Hartley, James Hopes, Shane Jurgensen, Nick Kruger, Martin Love, Jimmy Maher, Brendan Nash, Ashley Noffke, Clinton Perren, Craig Philipson, Nathan Rimmington, Chris Simpson, Lachlan Stevens, Grant Sullivan.

Rookies Murray Bragg, Ben Cutting, Ryan Le Loux, Nathan Reardon.

Cricket Australia contracts Matthew Hayden, Mitchell Johnson, Michael Kasprowicz, Andrew Symonds, Shane Watson.

© Cricinfo