A long-lost batter earning a reprieve via a last-minute COVID-19 case is a script Queensland captain Usman Khawaja has read before.
Just like Khawaja being granted a Test recall thanks to Travis Head's unavailability ahead of the fourth Ashes Test at the SCG last month, the Bulls have handed a similar opportunity to Sam Truloff for their Sheffield Shield clash with NSW at the Gabba.
With ex-Test opener Joe Burns in isolation after his second COVID-19 positive in six weeks, Truloff will be given a shot at state cricket redemption as he prepares for his first appearance for Queensland since October 2018 against the Blues.
"He's gone the Uzi/Heady route," Khawaja said of Truloff's call-up.
"Joe Burns has got COVID so he's locked in. He's done the Uzi, good on him. Batting at number five too most likely."
Truloff will come into the match, which starts on Wednesday, having posted Bradman-esque figures in Brisbane's Premier Cricket competition this summer.
The 28-year-old right-hander has scored five centuries this season already and was dismissed just three short of his sixth ton last weekend to post 1081 runs at 77.21 in all formats.
Having completed step one of the Usman Khawaja comeback protocol, the Bulls skipper says Truloff should now aim to repeat his feat of celebrating the recall with back-to-back centuries just as he did against England.
"He's gone back, he's scored runs, hasn't given up, it's great to see," Khawaja said.
"Sammy, if you're listening to this, a pair of hundreds would be nice."
Khawaja, as well as Marnus Labuschagne, Michael Neser and Mitch Swepson, will all feature in the match having been named in Australia's squad for the three-Test tour of Pakistan.
It will be the quartet's last Shield appearance before departing for the subcontinent with Khawaja set to open for the Bulls in a pre-Test warm-up following Burns' omission.
Queensland head into the game second on the Shield ladder.
