Victoria Country unveil powerful line-up

Wendouree gloveman Heath Pyke, who captained Victoria at last year’s tournament in Bundaberg, returns to skipper the side in his eighth appearance at the time-honoured carnival.

Moorooduc’s Bob Wilson is the only other returnee from last year’s squad which finished second behind New South Wales after he became the first Victorian batsman to strike a double century with an unbeaten 201 against South Australia.

Over the past two months, Victoria Country selectors held sessions in Traralgon, Geelong and Shepparton before a trial game in Seymour and a hit out at the MCG.

“We’ve assembled a strong squad,” Victoria Country coach Jason Mathers said.

“Our bowlers are very strong this year…and we’ve selected a more varied attack which should do well.

“Heath’s experience (as captain) in invaluable. He knows the competition inside and out so it’s great to have him in the team.”

The Australian Country Cricket Championships will be staged in Canberra from January 7 to 14.

Victoria Country squad:

James McNeil (Albury Wodonga CA), Heath Pyke (C) (Ballarat CA), Linton Jacobs, Travis King and Cameron Taylor (Bendigo CA), Cameron Wheeler (Ferntree Gully DCA), Brandon Ross (Geelong CA), Jackson Fry and Bob Wilson (Mornington Peninsula CA), Luke Carter and Shaun Downie (Murray Valley CA), Brad Scott (Sale Maffra CA) and Lee Stockdale (Traralgon CA).