Victoria names squad for Second XI season opener

All players named in the squad are Victorian contracted players and have been involved in the state’s pre-season program.

Travis Dean will captain the side after being named the 2021-22 Sheffield Shield Player of the Year.

Newly contracted Victorian rookies Ashley Chandrasinghe and Campbell Kellaway have both been included after impressing through Second XI performances last season.

Chandrasinghe was the leading run scorer in the national Second XI competition with 423 runs at an average of 84.60.

Leg spinner Tom O’Connell was also the competition’s leading wicket-taker last season, claiming 19 wickets at an average of 24.95.

Cricket Victoria’s General Manager Cricket Performance, Graham Manou said:

“It’s fantastic to have such an early start to the Second XI competition, the squad has had a long build-up and are ready to start playing matches.

“We’re in a good position to name a squad made up of contracted players, the match will also provide some of our more experienced players valuable time in the middle as we work towards the start of our Marsh Cup and Sheffield Shield campaigns.

“We’re fortunate to include players like Pucovski, Harper, Perry and Dean in this squad, we want to make sure they are getting as much red-ball match practice as possible at this time of year.”

The Victorian Second XI will play six four-day matches across the season.

Victoria’s senior men’s side will start their season on September 23 at the CitiPower Centre with a Marsh One Day Cup match against NSW.

Toyota Second XI
New South Wales vs Victoria
Sep 12-15
Cex International Stadium, Coffs Harbour

Victorian Second XI Squad:
Travis Dean (c)
Ashley Chandrasinghe
Sam Elliott
Sam Harper
Campbell Kellaway
Cameron McClure
Jono Merlo
Tom O’Connell
Fergus O’Neill
Wil Parker
Mitch Perry
Will Pucovski

Victorian Second XI Fixture
Sep 12-15 vs NSW
Oct 24-27 vs QLD
Nov 7-10 vs WA
Nov 28-Dec 1 vs SA
Feb 20-23 vs ACT
Mar 6-9 vs TAS