Queensland sign Vettori for short Twenty20 stint

Daniel Vettori, the New Zealand captain, will make a guest appearance for Queensland in the Twenty20 Big Bash, which starts next week. He will make his Bulls debut on January 13 against New South Wales at the ANZ Stadium in Sydney and will be available for the preliminary final should Queensland finish second or third.

"We all know his bowling is world class but every bit of feedback we have received about him highlights that he is a fine leader of men who has a fantastic cricket brain and a calm and professional on-field presence," Trevor Barsby, the Queensland coach, said. "It might only be a short stint but we are confident there will be long-term benefits from him being a part of our squad during the Big Bash.

"It's also a nice boost for Chris Simpson, who is developing into a fine captain. I'm sure he will enjoy the experience of having Dan around and soak up some of his knowledge."

Vettori recently decided to put off surgery on his left (bowling) shoulder, fearing it would keep him out of cricket for up to a year. He is expected to start bowling again for Northern Districts in a Twenty20 game against Auckland at Mt Maunganui on January 2.

Vettori's Queensland stint has been given the green light by Northern Districts and New Zealand Cricket, because he will not miss any New Zealand domestic matches. "It's a great opportunity for Dan," NZC's chief executive Justin Vaughan said. "New Zealand Cricket is comfortable to release him on the basis that it will not conflict with his commitments to the HRV Cup."

Northern Districts chief executive David Cooper hopes this move will start an association with Queensland. "There's the possibility of building a relationship with Queensland," Cooper told the Waikato Times. "Grant Bradburn (ND coach) spent time last year at the Allan Border Oval, the base for the Queensland Academy in Brisbane, and a Queensland-employed coach was down in Palmerston North with us."

Another notable inclusion in the Bulls squad is that of allrounder Andrew Symonds, who has never before played a Twenty20 match for his state. "I'm very fresh and enjoyed the last couple of days of training," Symonds said. "Hopefully I can skill up enough before I get out there and be able to contribute."

The seamer Ben Laughlin has recovered from a side strain and has been named in a 13-man Queensland squad for Monday night's opening clash against Victoria at the Gabba.

Queensland squad Chris Simpson (capt), Glen Batticciotto, Lee Carseldine, Ben Cutting, Ryan Harris, Chris Hartley, James Hopes, Ben Laughlin, Alister McDermott, Craig Philipson, Nathan Reardon, Nathan Rimmington, Andrew Symonds.