Grant Sullivan

National calls and injuries to Queensland's key bowlers opened the way for Grant Sullivan, a strong right-arm fast bowler, to appear in six Pura Cup games in 2007-08. Under the watch of Ashley Noffke, Sullivan picked up eight wickets, including 3 for 18 against Victoria, and also added to his experience with six FR Cup appearances. Sullivan's debuts in the Pura and FR cups came three days apart in 2006-07 and he grabbed a wicket in each of the three innings against New South Wales. He didn't get another one-day chance that season, but after overcoming shin splints there were two more first-class fixtures and he captured a total of eight victims. His 3 for 40 against Victoria at the Gabba impressed the then state coach Terry Oliver, who said he was "now a first-class bowler". In 2008-09 he was held back by hamstring problems and took part in only two 2nd XI affairs.

An Academy scholarship holder in 2004, he returned to the set-up in 2007 and 2008 and has been a regular in the Emerging Players Tournament. A Mackay junior, Sullivan represented Queensland Under-17s and Under-19s before reaching the national under-19 side in 2002-03, playing two Tests against England. He spent three years on a rookie contract with Queensland before graduating to a full deal in 2006.
Cricinfo staff May 2009