Twenty20 cricket returns to the Gabba on Monday night as the Queensland and the New South Wales Blues fight to keep their Big Bash finals hopes alive.
The sides had been scheduled to meet on January 15 but after the Brisbane floods forced a postponement, the traditional rivals will now meet in a must-win clash.
With Tasmania and South Australia out ahead of the pack on six points from four matches, the Blues will need to win their second game in three days to stay within striking distance.
Meanwhile, the Bulls, who have played three matches for one win, will be just as desperate to take the victory and stay in contention.
Recent form suggests the Bulls will have their work cut out, with top order batting woes contributing their downfall in a 10-run loss to the Redbacks on Thursday.
The Blues, however, will bring confidence to the game, after Usman Khawaja’s 65 off 43 helped them to a comfortable 17-run win over defending champions Victoria.
But the Bulls have proven often over the past few seasons that they are different side at the Gabba.
The Tigers' sole defeat came at the hands of a clinical all-round performance by Queensland, which was led by inform skipper James Hopes.
On that night, the Bulls were able to deliver in every department, with their underrated pace contingent brilliantly supported in the field and with the bat.
Chris Hartley joins the Queensland side, at the expense of talented young keeper-batsman Ben Dunk, and his square hitting ability and experience may provide some extra starch in the batting department.
For the Blues, Stephen O’Keefe is likely to have a considerable impact on the outcome, with the Bulls losing six wickets of their top seven wickets to spin bowling in their most recent outing.
Queensland will have the advantage of a full squad to choose from, while NSW continue to have their depth tested by their large contribution to the national side.
But even with the likes of Brad Haddin, Shane Watson and Michael Clarke absent, the Blues still pack plenty of batting firepower, with Khawaja, David Warner and Phil Hughes presenting an imposing top order.
Queensland Bulls: Lee Carseldine, Ben Cutting, Luke Feldman, Jason Floros, Chris Hartley, Michael Lumb, Chris Lynn, Michael Neser, Craig Philipson, Nathan Reardon, Nathan Rimmington, Chris Simpson (12th man to be named).
NSW Blues: , Moises Henriques (c), David Warner, Phil Hughes, Usman Khawaja, Daniel Smith, Ben Rohrer, Stephen O’Keefe, Tim Armstrong, Sean Abbott, Scott Coyte, Patrick Cummins, Trent Copeland (probable 12)
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