Fast bowler misses first match with calf strain

More injury heartache for Kasprowicz

Cricinfo staff

October 9, 2007

Michael Kasprowicz's return has been delayed ... again © Getty Images

Michael Kasprowicz has started the new season the same way as his previous one after he was ruled out of Queensland's opening one-day match against Tasmania on Wednesday. Groin and back injuries prevented Kasprowicz from bowling two overs in 2006-07 and his return has been delayed by a calf strain sustained in a Brisbane grade match on Sunday.

"To come this close to playing and for something like this to stop you is heartbreaking, particularly after last year," Kasprowicz told the Courier-Mail. "Last season I learnt to deal with injury disappointment but for this injury to be totally unrelated - the outside of my lower leg - is ridiculous.

"It's crazy, particularly as during the off-season everything we have been doing was smart. When you are older you don't need to be doing the running volume."

The problem will be reassessed on Thursday as Kasprowicz fights to be fit for the Pura Cup game with Tasmania starting at the Gabba on Friday. Grant Sullivan, who made his maiden first-class and one-day appearances for Queensland last season, joins Andy Bichel and Ashley Noffke as the squad's fast bowlers.

Sullivan was part of the Academy intake during the winter and he also travelled to the MRF Pace Academy in India during the off-season. Troy Cooley and Dennis Lillee were on hand to offer tuition at the camp in Chennai while Mitchell Johnson, Sullivan's Queensland team-mate, was also involved.

Queensland FR Cup squad Ryan Broad, Jimmy Maher (capt), Clinton Perren, Aaron Nye, Michael Buchanan, Craig Philipson, Chris Hartley (wk), Nathan Reardon, Chris Simpson, Ashley Noffke, Grant Sullivan, Andy Bichel.

Tasmania FR Cup squad Michael Di Venuto, Tim Paine (wk), Michael Dighton, Travis Birt, George Bailey, Daniel Marsh (capt), Dane Anderson, Mark Divin, Xavier Doherty, Brendan Drew, Brett Geeves, Adam Griffith.

© Cricinfo