Law finds form as Bulls set competitive total against Vics

BRISBANE, Jan 31 AAP - Veteran Stuart Law found another speck of form at the Gabba tonight as Queensland set a competitive total for the beleaguered Victorian Bushrangers in the ING Cup clash.

The Bulls posted 9-231 from their 50 overs, with Law clipping 46 from 42 balls to continue a gentle resurgence during one of his most trying years in professional cricket.

The Bushrangers faced a battle to overhaul Queensland after a wretched week which began with an embarrassing 10-wicket loss to the Bulls in Ballarat and continued when captain Darren Berry was suspended for two matches for disciplinary reasons.

Their bad luck continued when Bulls captain Martin Love won the toss and then hit 48 from 56 deliveries before Law chimed in with a valuable knock.

His innings included six boundaries, showcasing some of the skills that enabled him to play 54 one-day internationals and one Test before he faded from the international scene.

The 34-year-old was dropped from the Queensland one-day team earlier this year and struggled for runs in first-class matches but rediscovered his touch this month as the Bulls became short-priced favourites to win both competitions this season.

He shared a 73-run stand with Clinton Perren (28 from 56) but the Bulls batsmen could not find the heavy punch to put away the Victorians, who are out of finals contention.

Paceman Mick Lewis (3-43 from eight overs) took a wicket with his first delivery when Lee Carseldine fell to an excellent catch by debutant David Hussey at forward short-leg.

Young leg-spinner Cameron White (2-34 from 10) did a sharp job containing Queensland's batsmen during the middle stages, earning the wickets of Law and Ashley Noffke (12) while Jon Moss was also economical.

He claimed 2-38 from his 10 overs, taking a return catch from Brendan Nash (33 from 38) and trapping Love LBW.

The Bushrangers will field a batting line-up much different to the team which crashed for 65 last Sunday after Berry was left out, oversleeping when the Vics were completing a dawn training session on Wednesday.