Promising Peirson to captain Queensland

Highly-rated wicketkeeper Jimmy Peirson has received a huge endorsement from Queensland after the Bulls announced he'll become their 53rd first-class captain this week.

Tipped as a future Test prospect, Peirson will stand in for regular skipper Usman Khawaja – who has been called up to Australia's squad to kick-off the Magellan Ashes at the Gabba on Thursday – in Queensland's JLT Sheffield Shield clash against Western Australia at the WACA from Friday.

The 25-year-old has just eight first-class matches to his name and only took the gloves on a full-time basis from Chris Hartley, the most prolific keeper in Sheffield Shield history, this summer following the veteran's retirement in March.

Peirson admitted he hadn't anticipated the appointment. 

"I didn't expect it, but I am excited rather than daunted by the role that's been offered to me while Usman is away playing for Australia," he said.

"I enjoy captaining teams and have been fortunate to have had that opportunity all the way along in my career so far.

"We've got some tight bonds in our playing and leadership group which are tied together by the baggy maroon and that gives me plenty of encouragement for what lies ahead.

"I've been around some great leaders in our group and also the Brisbane Heat so I've tried to take the lessons I've learned from being around them to shape my approach to captaincy. 

"It's a big game for us in Perth and I know we're very determined to bounce back after the game against NSW."

Peirson's name was not one mentioned frequently during the three Shield rounds to open the season that effectively served as an audition for the Test side for batsman capable of batting No.6 and wicketkeepers.

The right-hander has managed 42 runs at 8.40 in five innings this season, but Bulls coach Wade Seccombe – a legendary former Queensland gloveman himself – has spoken in glowing terms of Peirson and tipped him to develop into a Test-worthy talent.

"I love the way Jimmy goes about his work," Seccombe said during Queensland's Shield game against NSW last week.

"To my mind, he'll be up there (for Australia) at some stage. 

"He's the sort of character within our group that I think would go really well at a higher level, he shows signs of leadership with us. 

"I reckon at some point he will go further afield."

Speaking to cricket.com.au earlier this month, Peirson said he hoped to push his case for national selection this summer, emphasising he wants to be a gloveman first and batsman second. 

"Wicketkeeping is my focus and it has to be," he said. 

"It's always your first priority. Runs are important as well but that's my second job."

"All you can do is be consistent and then before you know it things just happen."

Chairman of selectors Justin Sternes said the leadership Peirson had displayed at Toyota Futures League level as well as with his Premier Cricket side Redlands made him the standout candidate.

"Jimmy has been a leader of the teams he has played in all the way through the Youth Pathway system and with his Premier Club and also the Queensland Academy of Sport team in the Futures League where we claimed back-to-back titles under his captaincy," Sternes said.

"He has been a member of our leadership group on and off the field and has acquitted himself very favourably. 

"We know he will have the complete support of the playing group and the coaching staff."

Queensland's 13-man squad to travel to Perth also features returning batsman Charlie Hemphrey, fresh off a Futures League century, and paceman Cameron Gannon.

Queensland squad: James Peirson (c), Joe Burns, Brendan Doggett, Luke Feldman, Cameron Gannon, Charlie Hemphrey, Marnus Labuschagne, Michael Neser, Matthew Renshaw, Mark Steketee, Mitch Swepson, Sam Truloff, Jack Wildermuth.