BBC SPORT | Cricket | Aussie duo out in the cold

Damien Fleming and Colin Miller have been released by Australian state side Victoria less than a year after they were part of the national squad.

Seam bowler Fleming and off-spinner Miller will not be offered contracts for the 2002-03 Australian season and now face a choice over whether to try and continue their careers elsewhere.

Fleming, 32, and 38-year-old Miller last played Test cricket in India last year, but were part of the squad for the Ashes tour to England which followed.

The pair have similar Test records, with Fleming having taken 75 wickets in 20 appearances and Miller 69 in 18.

Victoria Cricket Association chief executive Ken Jacobs said the decision had been taken in the "best long-term interests" of the team but added: "Obviously it is extermely disappointing for the players concerned."

Maher takes charge

Batsman Jimmy Maher has, meanwhile, been appointed captain of Queensland Bulls.

Maher is in line for a 2003 World Cup place
Maher will lead the state champions

He succeeds Stuart Law, who decided to step down after leading the team to the Pura Cup title for the fifth time.

Maher led the side in one Cup match and four one-day games last season and has been chosen ahead of rival candidates like Matthew Hayden and Martin Love.

"We've enjoyed plenty of success over the past decade, thanks to a lot of hard work by a lot of people, and I'm keen to carry that on.

"We;ve got a new coach in Terry Oliver, some great young players coming through and so I'm confident there is plenty for us to look forward to," he said.

Maher enjoyed a successful tour to South Africa with Australia's one-day side earlier this year, topping their batting averages and helping the team to a 6-1 victory.


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