Sheffield Shield cricket returns to CitiPower Centre for the final time in season 2024/25, with Victoria welcoming the top-of-the-table South Australians in its must-win Round 9 clash.
Chasing its first win in four matches, Victoria's selection panel has made three changes to this week's squad.
Former NSW batter, Blake MacDonald (St Kilda) and rising star, Oliver Peake (Geelong), have been included, while Sam Elliott has been named to make his return, replacing Will Sutherland, who is being rested.
MacDonald and Peake come into the squad in impressive form, with the duo starring in Victoria's recent second XI match against WA.
MacDonald made a hundred in both innings, while Peake made an eye-catching 99 in his first match since returning from Australia's tour of Sri Lanka.
Peake will be in contention to become the second young Victorian batter to make their first-class debut this year, following in the footsteps of Harry Dixon, as the state continues to reward its talented youth coming through the Victorian system.
Meanwhile, Elliott's inclusion bolsters an already formidable bowling attack of Fergus O'Neill, Todd Murphy and Scott Boland, who last round bowled a career-best 10/102 against NSW.
"There's been opportunities we've let slip, particularly with our batting, so we're focused on getting better, and capitalising on those moments as a team," said Victorian Head Coach, Chris Rogers.
"We've brough in a couple of players starting with Blake MacDonald, who has been plying his trade in Premier Cricket and has performed strongly since coming across from NSW.
"Ollie Peake will also come in. He's a smart, impressive young man and someone with obviously and incredibly bright future ahead."
"The next young thing coming through is always exciting. He's a bit different to other players coming through the system now who bring in that T20 approach. Oliver is more of an old school player from a scoring sense, and I think he's one of those players who have a game plan that can go a long way. For him to be in the selection conversation already, it's a fantastic thing."
Victoria face South Australia in Round 9 of the Sheffield Shield at CitiPower Centre from March 6 – 9 with play beginning at 10:30 AM (AEDT). The match can be seen live on Kayo Sports and cricket.com.au
VICTORIAN SQUAD:
- Peter Handscomb (St Kilda) (c)
- Scott Boland (Frankston - Peninsula)
- Xavier Crone (Carlton)
- Harry Dixon (St Kilda)
- Sam Elliott (Fitzroy Doncaster)
- Sam Harper (Melbourne)
- Marcus Harris (St Kilda)
- Campbell Kellaway (Melbourne)
- Blake MacDonald (St Kilda)
- Todd Murphy (St Kilda)
- Fergus O'Neill (Melbourne)
- Oliver Peake (Geelong)
- Mitch Perry (Richmond)
