Symonds signs Twenty20 contract with Queensland

Andrew Symonds has stepped up his commitment to Queensland by signing a Twenty20 contract with the state for next summer. The Bulls have named their squad for 2010-11 with five players axed from last season's list, including the batsmen Glen Batticciotto and Nick Kruger, and the fast bowler Grant Sullivan.

The inclusion of Symonds on a special Twenty20-only deal followed his appearances for Queensland in the short formats last season, when he chose to play for match payments alone instead of signing a deal. Graham Dixon, the chief executive of Queensland Cricket, said the Bulls would appreciate the experience of Symonds in the Big Bash.

"We've got a pretty young squad and having players like Andrew along will certainly assist our T20 preparations," Dixon said. "We were very happy with the contribution he made in developing our Futures League side and with the Bulls during the Big Bash.

"He was certainly very keen to continue in that vein when he came into see us after getting back from the IPL. Andrew has been contracted as a Twenty20 player only but no doubt he will provide some valuable advice across the season for the Bulls and QAS squad members."

Queensland were the runners-up in last summer's Sheffield Shield final and they hope a clean-out of several fringe players will help them go one better. The batsman Chris Lynn, the legspinner Cameron Boyce, the wicketkeeper Ben Dunk and the allrounder Jason Floros have all been upgraded from rookie deals to full contracts.

Luke Feldman, the policeman-turned professional fast bowler who won a contract during the season, has also held on to his deal. Gone from the list are Kruger and the legspinner Daniel Doran, who have nominated for the state transfer pool, as well as Batticciotto, Sullivan and the batsman Greg Moller.

The batsman Alex Kemp retained his rookie contract, while four new men were added to the rookie list: allrounder Michael Neser, legspinner Jake Hannan and fast bowlers Nicholas Buchanan and Cameron Gannon. The addition of Buchanan, who was part of Australia's successful Under-19 World Cup side this year, continues the trend at Queensland of blooding sons of former players.

Buchanan's father is the former Queensland player and Australia coach John Buchanan. Other sons of first-class players currently on the Bulls' list include Ryan Broad, Alister McDermott and Ben Laughlin.

Queensland squad Cameron Boyce, Ryan Broad, Lee Carseldine, Ben Cutting, Ben Dunk, Luke Feldman, Jason Floros, Ryan Harris (Cricket Australia contract), Chris Hartley, James Hopes (CA), Ben Laughlin, Chris Lynn, Alister McDermott, Craig Philipson, Nathan Reardon, Nathan Rimmington, Chris Simpson, Chris Swan, Andrew Symonds (Twenty20 only), Wade Townsend, Scott Walter.

Rookies Nicholas Buchanan, Cameron Gannon, Jake Hannan, Alex Kemp, Michael Neser.