The playing return of XXXX Queensland Bulls pace bowler Adam Dale has been postponed until next month.

Dale has withdrawn from the Queensland Academy of Sport squad that will contest the Australian Institutes Challenge in Darwin next week, electing to delay his comeback until the first round of Brisbane one-day club cricket in September.

XXXX Queensland Bulls coach Terry Oliver said the decision was purely precautionary.

"When we had a good look at his overall rehabilitation schedule and where he was at the moment, we felt it was better to be safe rather than sorry, even though the coaching staff has been very pleased with his progress," Oliver said.

Dale underwent major surgery to his right shoulder in November last year after playing the first Pura Cup match for Queensland.

Rookie Sandgate-Redcliffe pace bowler Nathan Rimmington has replaced Dale for the Darwin tournament, one of three changes to the original squad selected.

Sunshine Coast batsman Aaron Maynard has replaced spinner Scott O'Leary (hamstring) while Bulls rookie-contracted paceman Steve Magoffin (back soreness) has also withdrawn.

The QAS squad will have 13 players rather than the 14 originally selected.

Queensland Academy of Sport team: Chris Simpson (c), Duncan Betts, Luke Davis, Ben Edmondson, Cameron Glass, Chris Hartley, Nick Kruger, Aaron Maynard, Daniel Payne, Matthew Petrie, Craig Philipson, Peter Reimers, Nathan Rimmington. Coach: Richard Done.

© 2002 Queensland Cricket Association

This report does not necessarily represent the views of the Australian Cricket Board.