The Bulls will be looking to overturn a disappointing two-wicket Ford Ranger Cup loss to Western Australia when they take on the Warriors in the first Sheffield Shield clash of the new summer.
In a dramatic opener to the 2009-10 domestic summer, Western Australia snatched a two-wicket victory from Queensland on Sunday night with the fourth-last ball of the innings, powered by a match-winning 43 from former Bull Ashley Noffke, who also claimed 1-19 from 10 virtually unplayable overs.
Noffke was the stand-out performer for the Warriors after crossing from Queensland last season, a fact certain to sit uneasily with Bulls' coach Trevor Barsby, who's injury-hit and inexperienced side was forced to rely on another sensational batting display from Lee Carseldine to be in the game. But Noffke's presence still couldn't paper over the cracks in the Warriors' side, namely its brittle top order.
On paper, there's plenty to like about the Warriors' bats. Skipper Marcus North has shown his class at international level, while Shaun Marsh and Adam Voges are on the fringes of Australia's ODI side, with Wes Robinson one of the finds of last year's domestic season.
But, just like many times last season, the Warriors top order just can't seem to get all these ingredients working well together, as shown by it slumping to 7-110 chasing a modest Bulls' target of 162.
Of course, a Shield game is a different kettle of fish to a Ford Ranger one, and coach Tom Moody will be hoping the extra time will allow his batsmen to develop the form and confidence in this match that will carry on into the rest of the season.
Impressive young bat Luke Towers comes into the squad for Tuesday's game and is likely to open alongside Robinson, with the Warriors opting for a more dour but reliable opening partnership than the flashy but inconsistent pairing of Liam Davis and Shaun Marsh that started last summer.
Marsh looks likely to start at three, followed by North and Adam Voges, with the Warriors batting deep as both Noffke and Steve Magoffin can wield the willow.
Fortunately for Moody, he hasn't got so many worries with his bowling line-up, the coach bringing in experienced WACA specialist Steve Magoffin for this match to complement Noffke's pace, while NSW grade star Michael Hogan is also a chance to make his Warriors debut.
Queensland is also looking at bringing in some fresh bowling talent, with 20-year-old left-arm paceman Scott Walter in line to make his Shield debut for the Bulls.
Walter could form part of a four-pronged pace attack along with Ben Laughlin, Ben Cutting and Grant Sullivan after Bulls' selectors omitted leg-spinner Daniel Doran from the original 13-man squad.
With the Bulls 12th man yet to be named, batsmen Glen Batticciotto and Wade Townsend also remain in contention to make their first class debuts on Tuesday morning.
But the experienced James Hopes will sit this one out as he continues to recover from a minor injury sustained last Friday, in the hope he'll be fully fit to participate in Australia's ODI tour of India over the next few weeks.
Western Australia:
Marcus North (c), David Bandy, Brett Dorey, Michael Hogan, Brad Knowles, Steve Magoffin, Shaun Marsh, Ashley Noffke, Wes Robinson, Luke Ronchi, Luke Towers, Adam Voges. (12th Man to be named
Queensland:
Chris Simpson (c), Glen Batticciotto, Ryan Broad, Lee Carseldine, Ben Cutting, Chris Hartley, Nick Kruger, Ben Laughlin, Nathan Reardon, Grant Sullivan, Wade Townsend, Scott Walter (12th man to be named).