Victoria name 13-player squad for MCG clash against NSW

Scott Boland and Will Pucovski return to the squad for the clash between traditional rivals, with Peter Siddle and Cam McClure omitted.

Xavier Crone has also been included in the squad for the first time this season following impressive performances in Premier Cricket and Victoria’s 2nd XI.

The game will be Victoria’s first Sheffield Shield appearance in Melbourne this season, as well as its first back at the MCG.

The winner of the game will also be awarded the Hodge-Matthews Cup, named after Victorian and New South Wales greats Brad Hodge (VIC) and Greg Matthews (NSW).

Victoria are the current holders of the cup after defeating the Blues last season by 10 wickets in Lavington in the Marsh Sheffield Shield.

Cricket Victoria’s Head of Male Cricket, David Hussey, said the squad were looking forward to the opportunity to bounce back following last week’s loss to Queensland in Mackay.

“We’re excited for the chance to get back to Melbourne to play some red-ball cricket, and there aren’t many places better to play than the Melbourne Cricket Ground,” Hussey said.

“The boys are coming off a hard-fought win in the Marsh One-Day Cup in Mackay and are keen to make it two wins in a row coming into this week.

“It is a great opportunity for the lads to return to the MCG and face New South Wales, who we have a rich rivalry with.”

Squad:
Will Sutherland (c) (Prahran)
Peter Handscomb (St Kilda)
Scott Boland (Frankston-Peninsula)
Xavier Crone (Carlton)
Travis Dean (Footscray)
Sam Harper (Melbourne)
Marcus Harris (St Kilda)
Campbell Kellaway (Melbourne)
Todd Murphy (St Kilda)
Fergus O’Neill (Melbourne)
Mitch Perry (Richmond)
Will Pucovski (Melbourne)
Matthew Short (Northcote)

Marsh Sheffield Shield:
Victoria V NSW
October 26-29, 10.30AM AEDT
Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne
Coverage: cricket.com.au & Kayo Sports