Two of state cricket's most decorated players, a fast bowler in line for a maiden appearance against his old team, and a rookie spin bowler are all poised to create headlines when Pura Cup cricket returns to the calendar later this week.

Relieved of his place in Australia's Test squad, star fast bowler Andy Bichel is set to play his first first-class match since late October when Queensland meets Tasmania in the clash that starts at the 'Gabba on Thursday.

A former Queensland paceman, Matthew Pascoe, has meanwhile been named in Tasmania's 13-man party for the match. The Tigers are still without an outright win this season and their selectors have sought to rectify the balance by including Pascoe in the squad for the first time to help stiffen the complexion of the attack.

Rain fell steadily in Brisbane over the weekend, increasing the likelihood that the game will be played on a pitch well suited to Bichel, Pascoe and their fellow speed merchants.

The conditions are not likely to be as helpful at a personal level for Queensland captain and middle order batsman Stuart Law. But the 33-year-old will be making history nonetheless, as it will be his 134th match for the state. That figure takes him past Sam Trimble, previously Queensland's record-holder for games played.

Further south, Aaron O'Brien will be in line to make a maiden appearance for New South Wales as selectors across the country continue their recent flirtation with the introduction of young spin bowlers to first-class cricket. A stylish left handed batsman and left arm orthodox spinner, the 20-year-old has already impressed many good judges with consistently accomplished performances at underage and club level. He's likely to battle for the final position in the eleven to play Western Australia - at the Sydney Cricket Ground, starting on Friday - with fast bowler Don Nash.

South Australia's team to play Victoria in Melbourne from Thursday, meanwhile, will be without fast bowler Paul Wilson. The strongly built paceman made a stunning return from knee surgery to claim three early wickets in the Redbacks' one-day clash with New South Wales on Saturday and looked sharp throughout the course of his full allotment of ten overs. He also played grade cricket in Adelaide on Sunday. But he is still considered unfit to complete a full four-day encounter and has accordingly been left out of a 13-man line-up.

Victoria and Western Australia are expected to name their teams tomorrow.

© 2001 CricInfo Ltd