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Maddinson named as new Blues skipper

In-form batsman takes the helm after Moises Henriques was ruled out with injury

NSW Blues have suffered a blow ahead of their Sheffield Shield clash against the myFoot Dr Queensland Bulls with injury ruling out skipper Moises Henriques.

Henriques suffered a calf strain on the weekend in the Blues' win over the Bulls but has not recovered in time for the return clash in Mackay starting on Sunday.

Nic Maddinson, who hit a decisive first-innings century in the side's seven-wicket win over Queensland, will assume the captaincy. 

Maddinson will be NSW's 117th first-class captain.

WATCH: Maddinson's superb century against the Bulls

Since making a century on debut in 2010, the 23-year-old has played 50 first-class games and is seen as a future leader of the side.

Henriques has been replaced in a reshuffled batting line up by Daniel Hughes, who demanded selection with a triple-century for the NSW Futures League side against Tasmania last week and is the top scorer in the Sydney grade competition.

In another change, the Blues have dropped wicketkeeper Jay Lenton after underwhelming performances in his first two Shield matches.

Brought into the side following the retirement of Brad Haddin and the elevation of Peter Nevill to the Test squad, Lenton was highly touted by the NSW coaching staff.

However after making just 22 in three innings, he lost his place in the side with opener Ryan Carters to assume the gloves.

Paceman Trent Copeland has been added to the 13-man Blues squad as injury cover, after missing the 2014-15 season with a stress fracture in his back.

NSW squad: Nic Maddinson, Sean Abbott, Doug Bollinger, Ryan Carters, Trent Copeland, Ed Cowan, Daniel Hughes, Josh Lalor, Stephen O'Keefe, Kurtis Patterson, Ben Rohrer, Gurinder Sandhu, Will Somerville.