The XXXX Queensland Bulls have suffered a setback on the eve of their ING Cup clash with the Southern Redbacks tomorrow following the withdrawal of Australian pace bowler Andy Bichel for the match at the Gabba.

Bulls physiotherapist Stephen Partridge ruled out Bichel before training this morning due to a hip injury sustained in Australia's last VB Series One Day International match in Perth on the weekend.

He has been replaced in the Bulls team for tomorrow's match by Scott Muller, who made a pleasing return to the Queensland ranks last week in the ING Cup win over Victoria at the Gabba.

Bichel is not considered in doubt for the tour of South Africa, with his withdrawal from the Queensland team taken as a precaution.

"I'm disappointed any time I have to miss playing for the Bulls but with a long tour of Africa coming up, it was in my best interests not to risk aggravating what is admittedly a minor injury by playing tomorrow," Bichel said.

He joins fellow Australian pace bowlers Glenn McGrath and Jason Gillespie on the sidelines for this weekend's round of ING Cup matches, after they were rested from their respective teams.

Tomorrow's match starts at 2.30pm. Queensland lead the ING Cup on 27 points with the Redbacks locked in equal second spot on 22 points with NSW and WA.

Queensland travel to Adelaide on Sunday, following the Final of the K&R Plumbing Cup one-day competition at Allan Border Field on between Valley and Norths. The Bulls take on the Redbacks at the Adelaide Oval from Wednesday in the Pura Cup.

XXXX Queensland Bulls v Southern Redbacks, ING Cup, Gabba, Friday: Jimmy Maher (c), Matthew Hayden, Martin Love, Andrew Symonds, Clinton Perren, Brendan Nash, James Hopes, Wade Seccombe, Nathan Hauritz, Damien Mackenzie, Scott Muller, Joe Dawes (all twelve to play).

Southern Redbacks, ING Cup team: Darren Lehmann (Captain), Ben Johnson, Greg Blewett (V.Captain), Graham Manou, Nathan Adcock, Paul Rofe, Chris Davies, Mike Smith, David Fitzgerald, Paul Wilson, Ben Higgins, Bradley Young.

© 2002 Queensland Cricket Association