Inside Word: Strike weapons boost Bulls

Queensland coach Wade Seccombe has identified the start to each innings as key areas required for improvement if his Bulls are to be legitimate contenders in this year's JLT One-Day Cup.

Fortunately for him, Seccombe has a couple of inclusions this time around who loom as just the men to aid his cause: strike bowler Billy Stanlake and six-hitting supremo Chris Lynn.

While their Sheffield Shield success last summer has been underlined by the army of Queenslanders currently playing with Australia A in India, the Bulls' fifth-place finish in the 50-over competition was well below the expectations of their mentor, who as a wicketkeeper-batsman played in six List A finals with the Bulls, winning two.

Seccombe, who was new in the job last year, suggested his own inexperience in the hot seat was partly to blame, while also pinpointing the beginning of innings as being where his team let matches slip.

"We were bitterly disappointed with how we went last year," he told cricket.com.au. "I could've guided the team a bit better through that phase, so I do take a bit of that responsibility.

"But across the board last year, we lost too many wickets early and we didn't bowl well at the start. That was the bottom line.

"If we'd done those things, we would've won more games.

"So it's not as if we have to make any great changes – I think we played the game the right way, showing a lot of intent with bat and ball – it's just about fixing up a couple of key areas, and notably last year it was our starts.

"We've now got the luxury of Billy taking the new ball in the attack, so that puts us in a really good position.

"Then likewise with 'Lynny', we can attack or counterpunch at any stage of the game with him."

Captain and key batting trio missing

If Queensland are to taste success, it will be all the more impressive considering the likely absence of probable Test squad batsmen Joe Burns, Usman Khawaja and Matt Renshaw, effectively wiping out half of their first-choice top six after their opening match. They will also be without captain and 'keeper Jimmy Peirson due to injury.

Lynn walks into one spot in the top three, and while Seccombe is yet to determine if his batting powerhouse will open the batting, he explained "with a batsman like that, you've got to give him the opportunity to face as many balls as possible".

Another opening option for Seccombe is Wests product Sam Truloff, who spent the winter refining his game and looks a strong chance to make his List A debut.

In the middle order, the pressure will be on Australia A pair Marnus Labuschagne and Jack Wildermuth to produce consistent runs, while Shield regulars Sam Heazlett and Charlie Hemphrey, and probable replacement 'keeper Lachlan Pfeffer, will be hoping to stake their claims in the side.

Pushing that group will be a batch of talented youngsters: dashing opener Max Bryant and National Performance Squad member Nathan McSweeney look well placed to figure in first XI conversations.

"We've had a few guys getting a bit of success and that has really driven everyone on to strive for it," Seccombe said.

"There's a lot of good development going on with the group.

"(Having players away) has afforded some younger guys some more opportunities training with the top squad, which allows us to build on our depth back here.

"It's a very ambitious squad which is exactly what you want to see … now the ball's in their court.

"They've prepared extremely well. They embraced the work and now they've got to put it into action.

"All those fringe guys have got a fantastic opportunity in front of them, and now it's about who puts their hand up."

'Spoilt for choice'

The rise of Stanlake is far from the only exciting factor when it comes to Queensland's fast-bowling stocks.

Australia A tourists Wildermuth, Brendan Doggett and Michael Neser all loom as likely starters, with 24-year-old Mark Steketee and youngsters Xavier Bartlett and Jack Prestwidge all hopeful of game time. The Bulls also boast experienced options in Luke Feldman, Peter George and Cameron Gannon.

"We're spoilt for choice," Seccombe said. "(Stanlake) is the obvious spearhead, (which is) how we'll use him through the campaign.

"Obviously Neser has recently come back from his ODI debut in England and then the Australia A games, and then we've got Brendan Doggett who is over there now (in India) for the four-day games, and Jack Wildermuth who just got back.

"There's Mark Steketee as well, and then we've got some good young kids nipping at their heels as well.

"So it'll be about getting the team balance right, on each day with each match-up, but we're very fortunate."

Swepson could leave Bulls in a spin

With Mitchell Swepson the only spinner in the Bulls senior list after Jason Floros' late withdrawal, a Test squad call-up for the leggie could leave a significant hole in their title ambitions. It would also likely mean a debut for left-arm orthodox spinner Matthew Kuhnemann, a Gold Coast product who has a state rookie contract and played one match for the Cricket Australia XI in last year's tournament.

"At this point, he's the guy that's been getting plenty of opportunities in (practice) matches, and we'd be looking at him," Seccombe confirmed of Kuhnemann.

"He's constantly got a smile on his face and he's just a great kid to have around. He baked the team cupcakes the other day so he's a giving sort of a soul, and he's got an incredible thirst for knowledge.

"He's constantly trying to develop his game, and he's coming along nicely."

"But there's plenty of what-ifs coming up with our squad in terms of selections, and he's one of many conversations we'll have along the way."

Another option for the Bulls could be the late contracting of leg-spinner Cameron Boyce, who has returned to the sunshine state after a stint with Tasmania and played Premier Cricket for Toombul on Saturday, taking 1-59 from 10 overs.

Boyce, 29, has left the Tigers and has told cricket.com.au he believes he still has plenty to offer at List A level.