Hodge and Noffke back after international commitments

Kasprowicz returns for the Bulls

Cricinfo staff

February 5, 2008

	Three days after making his ODI debut Ashley Noffke will be back in the more familiar Queensland colours © Getty Images

Queensland have regained Michael Kasprowicz after a minor hamstring injury as they prepare to take on Victoria in a one-day match at the MCG on Wednesday. Kasprowicz pulled up sore during the Bulls' win over Tasmania ten days ago and his presence will be a significant boost as his team aims to keep its hopes of defending its FR Cup title alive.

The trip to Melbourne will also continue a hectic week for Ashley Noffke, who was released from the Australian ODI squad when Stuart Clark became available. Noffke's busy period has included playing for the Prime Minister's XI in Canberra last Wednesday, flying to Melbourne for Australia's Twenty20 international on Friday, making his ODI debut in Brisbane on Sunday and now returning to the MCG.

Queensland have also included Lee Carseldine and Chris Swan to replace James Hopes, who is with the national team, and Greg Moller, who has been omitted. The Bulls are fourth on the FR Cup table, equal on points with the third-placed South Australia and one behind Victoria, who are second.

Victoria welcome back Brad Hodge - he was rested from Saturday's victory due to a Cricket Australia regulation - and he comes in for Michael Klinger, who broke a finger in the win over Western Australia. The coach Greg Shipperd will be treating the match as a virtual semi-final.

"We've played some scrambling cricket, some winning cricket, of recent times," he said. "We certainly know we're not playing at our best - we're looking for that perfect game, hopefully it will come [on Wednesday]."

Queensland squad Jimmy Maher (capt), Nathan Reardon, Clinton Perren, Craig Philipson, Chris Simpson, Aaron Nye, Lee Carseldine, Ashley Noffke, Chris Hartley (wk), Michael Kasprowicz, Chris Swan, Scott Brant.

Victoria squad Rob Quiney, Aiden Blizzard, Brad Hodge, David Hussey, Andrew McDonald, Cameron White (capt), Aaron Finch, Adam Crosthwaite (wk), Bryce McGain, Clint McKay, Darren Pattinson, Peter Siddle.

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