Tasmania axe BBL's leading run-scorer

Tasmania's Ben Dunk, the leading run-scorer in the recent KFC Big Bash League, has been dropped for the Tigers' Shield match against Queensland this week.

Dunk was the Shield's leading run-scorer last season but managed just one half-century from 10 innings this summer before the mid-season break for the BBL.

The left-hander returned to his best form for the Adelaide Strikers, posting a tournament high of 364 runs from eight matches, including three fifties.

But the 29-year-old has been dropped from Tasmania's squad for their return to Shield action in Queensland this week, with former Test batsmen George Bailey and Alex Doolan returning to the side.

Chairman of Selectors Michael Farrell confirmed rookie opener Jake Hancock will replace Dunk at the top of the order while Bailey and Doolan are set to return in the middle order.

Bailey missed the final match of the first half of the season due to international duty but is available again after being dropped from Australia's ODI squad. Doolan returns after suffering a concussion before the BBL break.

The Tigers will also be without fast bowler Jackson Bird, who will depart tonight for Australia's training camp in Dubai ahead of their Test tour of India.

Dunk enjoyed a breakout 2015-16 Shield season, posting a competition-leading 837 runs for the season, including four centuries. But his form has dropped off dramatically this campaign and he averaged less than 15 in the opening five matches of the summer.

Tasmania enter the match against the Bulls, which starts at the Gabba on Wednesday, in fifth place on the Shield ladder and in need of a victory to keep their title hopes alive.

In other matches, ladder-leading Victoria take on NSW Blues at the MCG while South Australia will host Western Australia in Glenelg.

Tasmania squad: George Bailey (c), Cameron Boyce, Alex Doolan, Jake Doran, Jake Hancock, Ben McDermott, Dom Michael, Simon Milenko, Andrew Perrin, Sam Rainbird, Jordan Silk, Cameron Stevenson, Beau Webster.