Love surprise for finals bound Bulls
Michael Crutcher - 17 March 2001

Queensland has revealed a plan to rush star batsman Martin Love back from injury for Friday's Pura Cup cricket final against Victoria after today completing its perfect preparation.

Queensland thrashed New South Wales by nine wickets inside three days at the Gabba, sealing the minor premiership with their sixth outright win from 10 matches.

The Bulls cruised to 1-64 in their second innings after reliable wreckers Adam Dale (4-78) and Joe Dawes (2-52) suppressed a New South Wales uprising, bowling the visitors out for 267.

Love was watching from the stands today after he was ruled out for the season with a broken left thumb, but the prolific domestic runmaker wants to play against Victoria.

Love said he was no longer experiencing pain and he would bat in the nets on Tuesday in a bid to convince selectors he was ready to help the Bulls defend their championship.

If Love passes the first hurdle, he must undergo a final fitness test on the eve of the match before he will be rushed back into a batting line-up which has blossomed this season.

"I'm not banking on him to play and personally I think he would be crazy to play ... because if he gets another knock he's back to square one," Bulls captain Stuart Law said.

"But if he says he's fit and able he will definitely play. If there is a slight doubt he will sit in the dressing room and watch it from there.

"It's up in the air but I would love to have him."

In Love's absence, the Bulls have uncovered an improved Clinton Perren, who has shown he might prove dangerous to Victoria's attack on Friday.

Perren (13 not out) hit the winning runs today after seeing the Bulls home with consistent opener Jim Maher (113 and 39 not out).

The only blemish was the loss of inexperienced batsman Lee Carseldine (12), who provided Blues skipper Stuart MacGill (1-13) with an easy but deserved wicket when he was bowled without offering a shot.

Earlier today, the Bulls bowlers did their usual job after Graeme Rummans (46), Mark Higgs (37) and Don Nash (35) threatened to give Queensland something to chase.

But the Blues were floored by the second new ball, losing their last four wickets in nine overs.

It was a brutal end to an encouraging season for NSW, and skipper MacGill said his teammates had shown they would be a force in coming seasons under coach Steve Rixon.

Queensland remains the benchmark this season and Law said he was happy with his team's preparation for another home final.

The Bulls will enter their third consecutive Brisbane decider with convincing outright wins over South Australia and New South Wales.

© 2001 AAP


Teams Australia.
First Class Teams New South Wales.
Players/Umpires Adam Dale, Joe Dawes, Stuart Law, Clinton Perren, Jimmy Maher, Lee Carseldine, Stuart MacGill, Graeme Rummans, Mark Higgs, Don Nash, Steve Rixon.
Season Australian Domestic Season
Scorecard Pura Cup: Queensland v New South Wales, 15-18 Mar 2001