Hartley to miss first Shield game in nearly 10 years

Queensland wicketkeeper Chris Hartley will miss his first Sheffield Shield game in nearly ten years due a broken finger - after becoming the first Bulls player to play 100 consecutive Shield games. Hartley, who is Usman Khawaja's deputy in the side, is set to be ruled out for at least three weeks, opening the doors for gloveman Jimmy Peirson to make his Shield debut in the game starting Saturday (February 25).

Following Khawaja's absence, who is in India for the four-Test tour, and Hartley's injury, Joe Burns will lead the side for the first time when Queensland take on South Australia in Adelaide, becoming the 52nd player to captain Queensland.

"Joe Burns enjoys the challenge of captaincy and we're confident he will lead from the front for these important games over the next few weeks while Chris recovers," Justin Sternes, Queensland Cricket convenor of selectors, said on Tuesday (February 21). Burns is currently the top run-scorer in the Sheffield Shield 2016-17 with 601 runs at an average of 46.23.

Hartley, who only recently claimed the record for most dismissals by a wicketkeeper in first-class cricket in Australia, fractured his left middle finger when playing for University of Queensland in their Kookaburra One-Day Cup Final win over Wests at Allan Border Field on Sunday.

His injury comes as a big blow to Queensland as the wicketkeeper was in fine form this season, averaging 92 and having taken 22 catches and effecting a stumping this season. However, he could return for the final match against Victoria on March 16. The last time that he missed a Sheffield Shield game was in 2007 against Tasmania.

Michael Nesser too has been ruled out with an ankle injury and has been replaced in the squad by Luke Feldman.

Queensland squad: Joe Burns (c), Luke Feldman, Jason Floros, Peter Forrest, Cameron Gannon, Peter George, Sam Heazlett, Marnus Labuschagne, James Peirson (wk), Mark Steketee, Sam Truloff, Jack Wildermuth