Queensland's pool of talented young players has risen again, with a top of the table Sheffield Shield win today and a chance to stay undefeated in the Second XI this week.
Young Guns Lift Queensland
The Bulls today made it two first class wins in the season over Sheffield Shield front-runners Victoria, defeating the Bushrangers outright at the MCG to lift Queensland into clear second on the table.
Second-season paceman Tom Straker led the way with the ball, taking 4-32 in the second innings to give him seven wickets for the match, with his final dismissal of Victoria's defiant debutant Dylan Brasher (72) clnching the 36-run victory.
The former Australian Under-19 quick clasped the baton offered from attack spearhead Michael Neser as Victoria was held to 144 and 205. Neser was remarkable in the first innings, with the Ashes hero returning figiures of 3-15 from 13 overs.
Straker was similarly effective in the home team's second dig taking 4-32 from 14 overs.
The Bulls latest debutant, Ipswich Hornets paceman Jem Ryan, made a strong start to his first class career, taking key wickets in each innings. Ryan, who has fought back from off-season back surgery, is the fifth player to debut for Queensland this season.
Recalled batter Hugo Burdon, who switched up to opener alongside Usman Khawaja, was player of the match with the 24-year-old right hander hitting 43 in each innings to give the Bulls a solid platform.
Burdon earned his recall with a series of determined efforts with the bat for the Queensland Second XI this summer, which take on Tasmania at Allan Border Field this week.
The Queensland Seconds are unbeaten this season and have named a strong line-up for the clash, featuring two of the stand-out performers from their last win over WA in Perth.
That victory featured 78 and 146 from former Australian Under-19 batter Tom Campbell and eight wickets to ACT recruit Sam Skelly.
Gold Coast pace bowler Zac McDermott, son of former Test great Craig, has earned his first start this season for the Second XI this season.
Scorecards and stats for the 2025-26 season can be accessed at: https://cricketarchive.com/Queensland/Seasons/Season_Summary_2025-26_f.html
The Bulls will host defending champions South Australia at the Gabba from 16 February in their next match.
Toyota Second XI Competition
Queensland v Tasmania
Allan Border Field. Tomorrow - Thurs.
Angus Lovell (UQ, c)
Tom Campbell (Wests)
Benji Floros (Valley)
Sam Geyer (Wests)
Aryan Jain (Norths)
Zac McDermott (Gold Coast)
Steven McGiffin (Wests)
Scott Palombo (Norths)
Jackson Sinfield (Redlands)
Sam Skelly (Norths)
Isaiah Snell (Wests, wk)
Callum Taylor (Gold Coast)