Victoria has announced its 13-player travelling squad ahead of its crucial match against NSW beginning in Sydney tomorrow.
With just three matches remaining in the home and away season, the second-placed Victorians face off against the fifth-ranked New South Wales side in what promises to be a key clash, with both sides buoyed by the returns of their national players.
For the navy blue, Scott Boland and Todd Murphy return for their first Sheffield Shield matches of the new year, while Footscray's Dylan Brasher has been rewarded for his impressive form with Victoria's Second XI and in Premier Cricket.
Sam Elliott and Peter Siddle have been rested.
After reflecting on a disappointing Hobart trip, Victorian Captain Will Sutherland believes his side is ready to put its learnings into place and bounce back against their traditional arch-rivals.
"We're hungry to go and get back to playing the brand of Victoria cricket we pride ourselves on," said Sutherland.
"There was a little bit of tentativeness during last week's short chase, and we've spoken about that, and getting back to being bolder before the new ball, so there's been learnings for everyone, myself included."
"There's a lot of talent in that changeroom, so there's no doubt we'll bounce back."
Victoria faces NSW at the SCG in Round 8 of the Sheffield Shield from February 18 – 21 with play beginning at 10:30 AM (AEDT). The match can be seen live on Kayo Sports and cricket.com.au
VICTORIAN SQUAD:
- Will Sutherland (C) (Prahran)
- Scott Boland (Frankston - Peninsula)
- Dylan Brasher (Footscray)
- Xavier Crone (Carlton)
- Harry Dixon (St Kilda)
- Peter Handscomb (St Kilda)
- Sam Harper (Melbourne)
- Marcus Harris (St Kilda)
- Campbell Kellaway (Melbourne)
- Todd Murphy (St Kilda)
- Fergus O'Neill (Melbourne)
- Mitch Perry (Richmond)
- Tom Rogers (Ringwood)
