Handscomb, Murphy return for Shield clash with NSW

Captain Peter Handscomb and off-spinner Todd Murphy return to the squad following a successful outing for the Prime Minister’s XI against the West Indies.

Handscomb, the Sheffield Shield’s leading run-scorer this season, scored 75 and 55 in his two innings in Canberra, with young gun Murphy collecting remarkable first-innings figures of 3-27 off 22 overs.

The duo will bolster a Victorian outfit chasing its first Shield win of the season, following a hard-fought, four-wicket loss to Tasmania at the MCG last week.

Emerging fast bowler Cameron McClure (managed due to excessive bowling loads) makes way from the previous squad.

If selected in the Final XI, all-rounder Jack Prestwidge would make his Sheffield Shield debut.

“It’s pleasing to have Peter and Todd both back available for Victoria, after their impressive performances for the Prime Minister’s XI last week,” Cricket Victoria’s Head of Male Cricket, David Hussey said.

“Peter is one of the country’s most in-form batters and his return adds experience and stability to our batting group.

“That said, the performances of some of our younger players – including debutants Sam Elliott and Campbell Kellaway – last week was encouraging, particularly in the absence of a few senior players.

“After last week’s result against Tasmania, this becomes a must-win game for us and we’ll be doing everything we can to get a positive result against New South Wales.”

Marsh Sheffield Shield Squad:
Peter Handscomb (c) (St Kilda)
Ashley Chandrasinghe (Casey-South Melbourne)
Travis Dean (Footscray)
Sam Elliott (Fitzroy Doncaster)
Sam Harper (Melbourne)
Jon Holland (Frankston Peninsula)
Campbell Kellaway (Melbourne)
Nic Maddinson (St Kilda)
Todd Murphy (St Kilda)
Fergus O’Neill (Melbourne)
Jack Prestwidge (Melbourne)
Matt Short (Northcote)
Will Sutherland (Prahran)

Marsh Sheffield Shield
Victoria vs New South Wales
Dec 1-4, 10.30am AEDT
CitiPower Centre
Coverage: Kayo Sports & cricket.com.au