Victoria have named a 13-player squad for their season opening Sheffield Shield clash against Tasmania beginning on Tuesday, October 8 at CitiPower Centre.
It promises to be an exciting early season test for Chris Rogers' men, who come up against last year's runners-up.
Following an outstanding winter in England, Peter Handscomb has been named to lead Victoria in the absence of Will Sutherland, who is unavailable due to planned load management.
Young guns Tom Rogers and Cam McClure have been rewarded for their impressive second XI performances against NSW last week. Rogers scored 90 and 89 with a combined 25 boundaries across the four-day match, while Cam McClure grabbed a pair of 3 wicket hauls, claiming 3/15 and 3/42.
They will be joined in the squad by Sam Elliot, who continued his strong start to the season, grabbing 4/66 in the second innings of the second XI clash off the back of his record-breaking bowling performance against Tasmania in the One-Day Cup a week earlier.
Ash Chandrasinghe and Xavier Crone have also been included following impressive pre-season campaigns.
Reigning Bill Lawry Medallist, Fergus O'Neil, said the squad couldn't wait for its early season test, while also praising the next generation of Victorian's coming through the squad.
"We're very excited about getting the season underway and seeing what we can do," said O'Neil.
"We're in a great place for Round 1, but obviously we can't take Tassie lightly with what they can bring, so it's going to be great test for us early and we'll know where we sit after this clash.
"It's been awesome to see the likes of Ash Chandrasinghe coming through. There's going to be great opportunities for the next generation to stand up, especially as guys push for higher honours.
"In the years prior it's been Mitch Perry standing up with the ball in the Final, a few people chipped in last year as well, so I think it's time for a Chandrasinghe, a Kellaway, Merlo, Rogers or a Brasher, to stamp themselves in the side.
"It's really exciting and they're going to have the backing of the squad and the coaching staff to make an impact and make some noise."
Victoria faces Tasmania in the opening round of the Sheffield Shield starting at 10:30 AM on Tuesday, October 8 at CitiPower Centre with coverage provided by cricket.com.au. Tickets on sale now.
Victoria Sheffield Shield Squad
- Peter Handscomb (c) (St Kilda)
- Ash Chandrasinghe (Casey-South Melbourne)
- Xavier Crone (Carlton)
- Sam Elliott (Fitzroy Doncaster)
- Sam Harper (Melbourne)
- Marcus Harris (St Kilda)
- Campbell Kellaway (Melbourne)
- Cam McClure (Prahran)
- Jon Merlo (St Kilda)
- Todd Murphy (St Kilda)
- Fergus O'Neill (Melbourne)
- Mitch Perry (Richmond)
- Tom Rogers (Ringwood)
* Glenn Maxwell and Scott Boland have been listed as unavailable for this round.
