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Tassie bolstered by Hilfenhaus return

Former Test paceman to play first Shield game of season against Queensland, who rest James Hopes

Tasmania will welcome back former Test paceman Ben Hilfenhaus from injury, while veteran Queensland bowler James Hopes will be rested when the sides clash in the Sheffield Shield at Bellerive Oval on Friday.

Tigers stalwart Hilfenhaus, who has been battling a hip injury which saw him sent home from England's county season in June, was absent for the Tigers' round one loss in the competition to Western Australia, but has rebuilt his fitness.

"He's had a long process coming back from England getting his injury right," coach Dan Marsh told reporters on Thursday.

"We've managed him to this point and he's ready to go, and it's really exciting to have him back."

The 32-year old's return broadens the options for Tasmania's bowling line-up, with Andrew Fekete and Jackson Bird both proving their value against WA, and Sam Rainbird also eyeing a spot in the XI.

Hilfenhaus replaces Evan Gulbis, who pulled up sore after round one.

"It's an achilles (complaint) which isn't a great spot but we're hoping to catch it early and (it) not be a long-term thing," Marsh said.

It's the sole change for Tasmania, with Marsh reluctant to rewrite the squad or the order after just one round.

"There's an opportunity for the guys picked in the first week to respond this week," he said. 

Queensland have made four changes to their squad following a season-opening nine-wicket loss to Victoria.

The Bulls will be without skipper Usman Khawaja and Joe Burns who are on Australian duty, overlooked leg-spinner Cameron Boyce and Hopes, 37, who is being rested.

"The selectors had planned to manage his playing workload across the season and as long as he (Hopes) keeps bowling well, then he will be in contention for our Shield games in the future," said Queensland head selector Justin Sternes.

They make way for 20-year-old Sam Heazlett, who will make his Shield debut, along with fellow Australian Under-19 teammate Matt Renshaw and allrounders Jason Floros and Michael Neser.

Squads
Tasmania: George Bailey (capt), Alex Doolan, Jackson Bird, Xavier Doherty, Jake Doran, Ben Dunk, James Faulkner, Andrew Fekete, Ben Hilfenhaus, Dominic Michael, Tim Paine, Sam Rainbird.

Queensland: Chris Hartley (capt), Ben Cutting, Jason Floros, Peter George, Sam Heazlett, Scott Henry, Marnus Labuschagne, Michael Neser, Nathan Reardon, Matthew Renshaw, Mark Steketee, Jack Wildermuth.