Allrounder steps up as Maher stands down

Simpson given Pura Cup captaincy

Cricinfo staff

March 3, 2008

	Chris Simpson is preparing to lead Queensland in their next Pura Cup match © Getty Images

Chris Simpson has been handed the Queensland captaincy for their final match of the Pura Cup season, against Victoria at the MCG starting on Friday. Simpson takes over from Jimmy Maher, who retired after the Bulls' win over South Australia, and he has the chance to impress the selectors before they make a decision on who will permanently follow Maher as leader.

Simpson has captained Queensland in FR Cup matches this summer but he has not yet guided the side in a four-day game. His rivals for the full-time leadership will include the wicketkeeper Chris Hartley and the allrounder James Hopes, both of whom have taken the reins of the state in Twenty20 matches.

Nathan Reardon has come into the squad to replace Maher and he might be in line for his first-class debut after posting centuries in his past two club games. Queensland enjoyed their first victory of a disappointing Pura Cup season when they wrapped up the match against the Redbacks early on the fourth day and they could jump off the bottom of the table if they beat Victoria in their last match of the campaign.

The Bulls have fitness concerns, however, with Ryan Broad (ankle) and Chris Swan (groin) to be assessed ahead of the game. Greg Moller, who was hit in the head while fielding at short leg in Adelaide, will also be checked.

Queensland squad Greg Moller, Ryan Broad, Martin Love, Shane Watson, Nathan Reardon, Chris Simpson (capt), Aaron Nye, Ashley Noffke, Chris Hartley (wk), Daniel Doran, Chris Swan, Scott Brant.

© Cricinfo