BRISBANE, Oct 9: Australia’s Test paceman Michael Kasprowicz has started the new season the same way as his preceding one after he was ruled out of Queensland’s opening one-day game against Tasmania on Wednesday.

Groin and back injuries prevented Kasprowicz from bowling two overs in 2006-07 and his return has been delayed by a calf strain sustained in a Brisbane grade match on Sunday.

The problem will be reassessed on Thursday as Kasprowicz fights to be fit for the Pura Cup fixture against Tasmania starting at the Gabba on Friday. Grant Sullivan, who made his maiden first-class and one-day appearances for Queensland last season, joins Andy Bichel and Ashley Noffke as the squad’s fast bowlers.

Sullivan was a part of the Academy intake during the winter and he also travelled to the MRF Pace Academy in India during the off-season.

Troy Cooley and Dennis Lillee were on hand to offer tuition at the camp in Chennai while Mitchell Johnson, Sullivan’s Queensland team-mate, was also involved.—Agencies