Bulls call on batsman Batticciotto

Glen Batticciotto is in line for his state debut after being named in Queensland's 12-man FR Cup squad to take on New South Wales at the SCG on Wednesday. The Bulls have been boosted by the return of James Hopes, who has been missing due to a chest muscle strain.

However, they decided against bringing Ashley Noffke into the side due to his ongoing back problem and instead they are hopeful he will be right for the Sheffield Shield match that begins on Friday. The fast bowler Nathan Rimmington has also returned to the squad after missing all of last season following major hip surgery.

The final makeup of the team could yet change with Andrew Symonds and Shane Watson both in Australia's squad for the first Test against New Zealand. One member of the group will likely be released on Tuesday and if it is either of the Queensland allrounders, the Bulls could rush the player into their one-day unit.

Queensland's limited-overs form has not quite matched their strong four-day performances and the batsmen Ryan Broad and Greg Moller have been left out after their most recent loss to Western Australia. That created room for the left-hand batsman Batticciotto, 27, who this season won his first state contract.

Batticciotto has been a prolific scorer in Brisbane's club competition in the past few seasons and is the reigning Peter Burge Medallist. It has been a long road to state cricket for Batticciotto, who played in Australia's Under-19 team alongside the likes of Mitchell Johnson, Shane Watson and Michael Clarke.

FR Cup squad Clinton Perren, James Hopes, Lee Carseldine, Glen Batticciotto, Nathan Reardon, Aaron Nye, Chris Simpson (capt), Chris Hartley (wk), Ryan Harris, Chris Swan, Nathan Rimmington, Ben Laughlin.