The Queensland Selectors have resisted the temptation to rush Australian Test wicket-keeper Ian Healy straight back into the XXXX Queensland Bulls team for Sunday’s opening Mercantile Mutual Cup clash against NSW at the Gabba.

Healy will arrive back from Zimbabwe on Wednesday at 10.25pm on AN84 this week but Queensland chairman Rod Rice announced today the selectors had elected to rest him for the opening limited overs game in light of the fact that he played every match on the Sri Lanka/Zimbabwe tour.

Healy will instead make his return in the international match between the Bulls and Pakistan at Allan Border Field at Albion, the initial first class game to be held at the venue, from October 30 to November 2.

The Mercantile Mutual Cup team contains two changes from the side that takes on the Blues in the opening Sheffield Shield match at the Gabba starting tomorrow.

Allrounders Scott Prestwidge and Brendan Creevey, both members of the Mercantile Mutual Cup Super Team last season, came into the team for spinner Matthew Anderson and pace bowler Joe Dawes.

The Bulls will boast an enviable degree of batting depth, with likely number 11, Michael Kasprowicz coming off an English county season with Leicestershire where he scored over 500 first class runs.

Batsman Martin Love, whose One Day spot was under scrutiny, was selected in the wake of three centuries in succession in Brisbane Grade Cricket.

Meanwhile Prestwidge will captain the Queensland Academy of Sport team that plays the ACT next week in Canberra as part of the ACB Cup national Second XI competition.

Prestwidge, Creevey and Clinton Perren will make the trip to Canberra on Sunday night after the Bulls match to link with the rest of the QAS squad.

XXXX Queensland Bulls v NSW Blues, Sunday: Stuart Law (c), Matthew Hayden, Jimmy Maher, Martin Love, Clinton Perren, Geoff Foley, Wade Seccombe, Scott Prestwidge, Brendan Creevey, Andy Bichel, Michael Kasprowicz, Scott Muller (all 12 to play as per MM Cup rules).

Queensland Academy of Sport v ACT: Scott Prestwidge (c), Troy Dixon, Jerry Cassell, Lance Kahler, Lee Carseldine, Clinton Perren, Matthew Goggin, Gavin Fitness, Brendan Creevey, Ashley Noffke, Joe Dawes, Dale Turner.