Hayden boost for Bulls

Queensland's chances of strengthening its hold on top of the Ford Ranger Cup standings have been enhanced with the inclusion of Australian Test opener Matthew Hayden into its squad for the match against Victoria at the Gabba on Friday.

Hayden's inclusion has been offset, however, with all-rounder Shane Watson ruled out of contention. Watson is still recovering from a hamstring injury that saw him miss the first two Ashes Tests in Brisbane and Adelaide.

He is considered a possibility to return to the line-up for the Bulls' Ford Ranger Cup and Pura Cup clashes against South Australia next week.

Queensland extended its lead at the top of the competition with a 24-run win over NSW in Sydney on Wednesday.

The match against Victoria, who will be without star batsman Brad Hodge who is suffering from a leg injury, will also be captain Jimmy Maher's 100th one-dayer for his state.

The former Australian player, a member of the 2003 World Cup-winning team, is only the second Queenslander to play 100 first-class games and 100 one-day games.

Maher is the all-time leading runs-scorer in domestic one-day cricket with 4161 runs at 46.23

Thanks to cricket.com.au Story here