Cricket

Queensland Cricket and the Brisbane Lions have joined forces to urge Premier David Crisafulli to reconsider his ban on new stadiums and support the construction of a $3.4 billion Victoria Park venue as the centerpiece of the 2032 Brisbane Olympics.The sporting bodies have sent a letter to the Premier expressing their concerns over the future of the Gabba, which was initially slated for demolition and rebuilding under the previous Labor government but has since been put on hold. They argue that the Gabba is in poor condition and will reach the end of its life by 2030, and that a new stadium is essential for both cricket and AFL to thrive in Brisbane.Queensland Cricket CEO Terry Svenson said the sporting bodies are seeking assurances from the government that they will have a viable venue to play in, regardless of the Gabba's future. "We're hoping to meet with the new premier and his team over the next couple of weeks," Svenson said. "It's just really to talk about what our expectations are but I guess more the frustrations that we have had over the last 18 months."The uncertainty over the Gabba's future has already had a negative impact on Queensland Cricket, which is struggling to attract prestige international cricket matches due to the venue's aging infrastructure. Svenson said the sporting bodies need a decision on the Gabba's fate sooner rather than later so they can plan for the future."If displacement is back on the table we actually need to have that conversation with the government," Svenson said. "If this place gets knocked down and rebuilt where do the Lions play, where does Australian cricket play? It's important for us to have certainty that it doesn't send us broke."Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie said he had not seen the letter but was "happy to look into it." However, he reiterated the government's stance that there will be no new stadium built for the Olympics.

Queensland cricket has undergone a significant leadership shake-up, with legspinner Mitchell Swepson appointed as the official vice-captain. Swepson will lead the side in both the One-Day Cup and the Sheffield Shield when captain Marnus Labuschagne is absent on international duty.The decision to elevate Swepson to the leadership role is part of a broader restructuring under new coach Johan Botha and high performance manager Joe Dawes. Labuschagne was named permanent captain in all forms, replacing Usman Khawaja, despite his limited availability due to his commitments to the Australian Test and ODI teams.Swepson's elevation comes after he led the side in several pre-season games. Botha praised Swepson's leadership qualities, noting that the group "really would play for them and like what they see."Swepson will make his captaincy debut in Queensland's opening One-Day match against Tasmania on Wednesday. He will also lead the side against Victoria on Friday. Usman Khawaja will miss the match against Tasmania but will play against Victoria.Swepson has been Queensland's first-choice Shield spinner for years, but he has limited experience in the shorter format. However, Botha believes that Swepson's challenge as a spin bowling captain will come in Shield cricket rather than the shorter format."I think in One-Day cricket it's easier to captain as a spinner, because the game sort of tells you when to bowl," Botha said. "But in four-day cricket is he going to be brave enough to bowl the 17th over of the Shield game on day one. But that's what we'll keep, sort of pushing him towards to get himself into the game."Swepson is pushing for a place on Australia's Test tour of Sri Lanka in late January. He played the last of his four Tests in Sri Lanka in 2022 but missed out on selection during last year's tour of India.Botha has been impressed with Swepson's bowling during his first pre-season in charge of the Bulls. The coach is hoping to use Swepson more aggressively this year, even in seam-friendly conditions at the Gabba."I've been really impressed with him," Botha said. "His control for a legspinner has been excellent, and you can see why he has played Test cricket in the past. He got 30 wickets last year. So we're hoping for more of that this summer, and I think in our team we certainly want to use the spinners more and better and earlier in games."

Darren Lehmann, the former head coach of the Australian cricket team, has stepped down from his assistant coaching roles with the Brisbane Heat and Queensland men's team to pursue a full-time radio commentary position with ABC Sport.Lehmann, 54, had a year remaining on his contract with the Heat and Queensland, having played a key role in the Heat's BBL title victory last season. He was set to continue under new head coach Johan Botha, but has opted to leave on the eve of the 2024-25 season to join ABC Sport's commentary team.The move marks a potential end to Lehmann's coaching career, as he had previously applied for the head coaching positions at the Adelaide Strikers and Melbourne Renegades, but was unsuccessful."I've had a great time over the journey, with so many fond memories from that time," Lehmann said. "I wish nothing but the best for the future for all at QC and the Heat and thank each and every member of staff and the playing group for making my time at QC so enjoyable and fulfilling."Queensland Cricket CEO Terry Svenson praised Lehmann's contributions to Queensland cricket. "Throughout his long involvement with us, Darren has been a positive and proactive influence on cricket in the state," Svenson said. "Being part of the group that won the BBL last summer is a fitting way to farewell him."Andy Bichel will be the only remaining member of the coaching panel at both Queensland and Heat as a new era begins under Botha and general manager of high performance Joe Dawes.

Marnus Labuschagne, the prolific Australian batsman, has been appointed as the new captain of Queensland for the upcoming 2024-25 season. This appointment marks a significant step in Labuschagne's leadership journey, potentially paving the way for his future role as Australia's captain.Labuschagne, who has previously captained Queensland in limited overs matches, will take over the reins from Usman Khawaja, who will continue to lead the Brisbane Heat in the Big Bash League. The duo will collaborate with new Queensland and Heat coach Johan Botha to guide the team to success.Queensland Cricket CEO Terry Svenson expressed confidence in Labuschagne's leadership abilities, stating that this appointment provides him with an ideal opportunity to showcase his skills and gain valuable experience at the first-class and one-day levels.However, Labuschagne's availability for Queensland's season remains uncertain beyond the initial month in October. Australia's international commitments, including an ODI series against Pakistan and Tests against India, may limit his involvement.Despite the potential for limited availability, Labuschagne expressed his honor and excitement at being appointed Queensland captain. He acknowledged the significance of the Bulls to the state's fans and emphasized his commitment to helping the team reach its full potential.Labuschagne's appointment as Queensland captain raises questions about the future leadership of the Australian cricket team. While Pat Cummins remains the current captain, he has indicated that he may not hold the role for an extended period. This has led to speculation about potential successors, with Labuschagne and Travis Head emerging as possible candidates.The appointment of Labuschagne as Queensland captain provides him with a platform to develop his leadership skills and demonstrate his ability to guide a team. His success in this role could further enhance his credentials as a future captain of Australia.

Ashley Noffke, a highly respected coach in Australian cricket, has made a significant career move by leaving his roles with Queensland's WNCL team, Brisbane Heat in the WBBL, and UP Warriorz in the WPL to take up a new coaching position with the Otago men's team in New Zealand.Noffke's departure marks a continuation of coaching changes within Queensland cricket, following the departure of Wade Seccombe from the men's team and Heat despite their BBL title victory. Noffke was considered a strong candidate for those roles before Johan Botha was appointed.Mark Sorell, who previously coached the Australian women's team from 2005-2007, has been named as Noffke's replacement for both Queensland and Heat on a one-season contract."This is a fantastic opportunity for me in my coaching journey," Noffke said of his move to Otago. "The Volts and Otago Cricket are on the cusp of something special, and I'm keen to be part of that."Noffke took on the Heat and Queensland coaching roles in 2019-20, leading the Heat to a WBBL title in his first season and guiding Queensland to its inaugural WNCL title in 2020-21."It's bittersweet to be leaving the Fire and the Heat," he said in a Queensland Cricket statement. "I'm excited about what lies ahead, especially working in a new program, but there are a lot of good memories from my time in Queensland."Noffke, who starts with Otago later this month, will continue as coach of London Spirit in the Women's Hundred this season before resuming the pre-season back in New Zealand.Queensland and Heat captain Jess Jonassen acknowledged the recent coaching changes but expressed confidence in the teams' ability to handle the transition."We've undergone some change throughout the off season and to have 'Motsa' [Sorrell] commit to the head coach position is a great way to provide our group with some stability moving forward," she said. "He is extremely experienced and brings a lot of positive energy and enthusiasm to the role. I'm excited to see him dive in and continue to challenge the group."

Matthew Kuhnemann, a left-arm orthodox spinner, has left Queensland and is set to join Tasmania in pursuit of more first-class cricket opportunities. This move aims to enhance his chances of selection for the upcoming tour of Sri Lanka. Meanwhile, former Test opener Joe Burns has been omitted from Queensland's contract list following a disappointing season.Kuhnemann, 27, made his Test debut for Australia last year in India, claiming 5 for 16 in Australia's only victory in Indore. However, since then, he has not featured in a single Sheffield Shield match for Queensland. The Bulls have preferred legspinner Mitchell Swepson as their primary spinner, leaving Kuhnemann with limited opportunities.In Tasmania, Kuhnemann is expected to become the team's leading spinner in both Shield and Marsh Cup cricket. He will bolster Tasmania's attack, which narrowly missed out on winning the Shield title last season. Kuhnemann remains contracted to play for the Brisbane Heat in the BBL for the next two seasons.Burns, on the other hand, has been left out of Queensland's contract after being dropped from both the Shield and Marsh Cup sides last summer. His Shield omission came as a surprise, given his strong performances earlier in the season. Despite being the Bulls' leading run-scorer through the first seven games, Queensland opted to promote younger batters in the second half of the season.Queensland has decided not to offer the 34-year-old Burns a contract. He has played 23 Tests for Australia and scored four Test centuries. He is also out of contract at the Melbourne Stars.The Bulls have instead promoted opener Angus Lovell onto the contract list after his Shield debut last summer. Queensland has also signed four of Australia's Under-19 World Cup winners for next season, including captain Hugh Weibgen and promising quick Callum Vidler.Queensland is still searching for a new coach after parting ways with Wade Seccombe last month.