Vics bolstered by return of Test duo – but one may not play

Victoria has named a 14-man squad to take on reigning premiers and minor champions Western Australia in the Sheffield Shield final.

Two returning test starts make the list, including Peter Handscomb who will take over the captaincy after Will Sutherland led the Vics in four of their last five wins.

However, the most interesting decision is yet to be made – Will Victoria choose Todd Murphy or Jon Holland? 

It’s highly unlikely selectors will opt for two spinners on a bouncy Optus Stadium pitch, and selectors have generally opted for Holland ahead of Murphy

But Todd Murphy returns to the squad after taking 14 wickets for Australia across six innings at an average of 25.21 (runs per wicket, Shane Warne’s average was 25.41, Nathan Lyon averages 31.23), including phenomenal 7 wickets in his debut test innings. 

Victorian Coach Chris Rogers offering no hints at who would get the nod ahead of Thursday’s match

“It’s never easy when you have those selection dramas” 

“But then again it’s great to be able to bring a couple of players of that calibre back into the side and I’m sure they will be ready to go”

 

 

 

Victoria’s squad vs. WA

Peter Handscomb (c), Scott Boland, Ashley Chandrasinghe, Travis Dean, Sam Harper (wk), Marcus Harris, Jon Holland, Campbell Kellaway, Cam McClure, Todd Murphy, Fergus O’Neill, Mitch Perry, Matt Short, Will Sutherland

 

Lui Zacher – Twitter: @Lui_Zacher

Image: Cricket Australia