Victoria name 13-player squad for Shield clash at the MCG

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - OCTOBER 27: Fergus O'Neill of Victoria is congratulated by team mates after getting the wicket of Ryan Hackney of New South Wales during the Sheffield Shield match between Victoria and New South Wales at Melbourne Cricket Ground, on October 27, 2023, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

Scott Boland returns to the Shield squad after being rested against Tasmania at the CitiPower Centre last week, while Matt Short is unavailable due to international commitments with Australia’s T20I side in India.

Todd Murphy will miss the game due to shoulder soreness, with Melbourne University’s Doug Warren replacing him in the squad and is a chance to make his debut.

Mitch Perry (ankle) and Travis Dean (concussion) have both passed fitness tests after they missed Victoria’s one-day clash against Tasmania on Saturday, while Peter Siddle has been rested.

Cricket Victoria’s Head of Male Cricket, David Hussey, said the team were keen to get back out onto the MCG following a strong win in the Marsh One-Day Cup.

“The boys were impressive out in Launceston against Tasmania in the Marsh One-Day Cup and will be looking to take that momentum into Thursday against Queensland with the red ball,” Hussey said.

“It is always an honour to play on the ‘G and we’re excited to get back out there once again.

“Despite not getting a result against Tasmania in the Shield last week, the boys are playing with a lot of confidence, highlighted by a brilliant innings of 164 from Marcus Harris, who will be looking to back that up this week against Queensland.

“Both Travis and Mitch passed their fitness tests with flying colours, and it is great to welcome Scott back into the Shield squad on a ground that he performs so well at.

“We’re disappointed to lose Todd for this game, but we don’t want to take any chances and are hoping that he will be available for our next game against South Australia.

“It is an exciting opportunity for Doug Warren to be included in the squad and just reward for putting together a strong pre-season.”

Squad:
Will Sutherland – C (Prahran)
Scott Boland (Frankston-Peninsula)
Xavier Crone (Carlton)
Travis Dean (Footscray)
Peter Handscomb (St Kilda)
Sam Harper (Melbourne)
Marcus Harris (St Kilda)
Campbell Kellaway (Melbourne)
Jon Merlo (St Kilda)
Fergus O’Neill (Melbourne)
Mitch Perry (Richmond)
Will Pucovski (Melbourne)
Doug Warren (Melbourne University)

Marsh Sheffield Shield:
Victoria v Queensland
November 16-19, 10.30AM AEDT
Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne
Coverage: cricket.com.au & Kayo Sports

Dylan Carmody