Matthew Gale’s omission from the Shield final was an unfortunate twist of fate, given his exceptional season-long performance with the ball. The 29-year-old cricketer savored his first complete season with the Bulls, having overcome early career injuries that had plagued his progress. His debut in 2011 kicked off on a high note as he removed Liam Davis in the very first over of the innings. Gale went on to claim five more wickets against Western Australia, contributing significantly to his team’s dominant 192-run victory. Gale’s entry into the Ryobi Cup season was equally impressive, with a notable performance of 3/48 against the Blues in Brisbane. Among his victims were renowned figures like Australian wicketkeeper Brad Haddin, as well as the formidable duo of Moises Henriques and Ben Rohrer. In his subsequent 50-over match, Gale managed to secure three of the four wickets against the Warriors, although Shaun Marsh guided the visitors to a resounding win. In his lone appearance in the Ryobi Cup, Gale displayed his best-ever figures of 5/67, playing a pivotal role in his side’s narrow victory over the Bushrangers. During a rare opportunity in the four-day format, Gale capitalized by taking six wickets against the Warriors at the Gabba. Despite his above-average track record as a bowler, Gale’s contributions have sometimes been underutilized in a squad teeming with top-quality fast bowlers.