Victoria has announced its squad for this week's WNCL and Dean Jones Trophy matches.
Wicketkeeper Sam Harper will look to carry his BBL Player of the Tournament winning form into the one-day contest, while captain Will Sutherland will lead the side as Victoria begins an important block of cricket on home soil.
Blake Macdonald has earned a recall following an impressive BBL campaign, adding further depth to the batting group, while spinner Todd Murphy returns to the Victorian squad after his recent Ashes squad selection.
Batter Dylan Brasher has also been included in the squad following an outstanding Premier Cricket campaign.
Victorian Men's Head Coach Chris Rogers said the group is eager to transition recent form into the one-day format.
"It's great to welcome players back into the group after the BBL and see the confidence they've gained," Rogers said.
"Sam's form throughout the Big Bash was exceptional, Blake has earned his opportunity, and having Todd back strengthens our bowling attack as we reconnect as a group and continue to build the teamship and relentless standards we pride ourselves on."
"With Will leading the group, we're looking forward to putting together a strong performance at the MCG."
The Victorian men will face Queensland at the MCG on Tuesday February 3, with play beginning at 10:00am AEDT.
Victorian Men's 13 Player Squad
Will Sutherland (c) – Prahran CC
Austin Anlezark – Richmond CC
Dylan Brasher – Footscray CC
Xavier Crone – Carlton CC
Harry Dixon – St Kilda CC
Sam Harper – Melbourne CC
Peter Handscomb – St Kilda CC
Campbell Kellaway – Melbourne CC
Blake Macdonald – St Kilda CC
Cam McClure – Prahran CC
Fergus O'Neill – Melbourne CC
Tom Rogers – Ringwood CC
Todd Murphy – St Kilda CC
Victoria's women's team will travel to Adelaide to face South Australia, with matches scheduled for Tuesday 3 February and Thursday 5 February.
The fixtures mark an important block in Victoria's WNCL campaign, with the squad boosted by the talent and experience of multiple Australian representatives.
Newly appointed Australian captain Sophie Molineux has been named, returning to the Victorian side to provide leadership and all-round quality following her elevation to the national role.
World-class all-rounder Annabel Sutherland will also play her first match for Victoria this season, adding further depth and experience as the group looks to build momentum through the middle stages of the competition.
Ira Aery has been named in her maiden Victorian State squad, earning her opportunity following a strong campaign at the Under 19 National Championships for Victoria Metro.
Victoria will again be led by caretaker coach Blake Reed for the round, with Head Coach Andy Christie remaining in Melbourne for family reasons.
"Having players of Annabel and Sophie's quality back in the group is a huge boost," Reed said.
"They bring experience, leadership and calm under pressure, and their presence lifts the entire squad as we continue to build consistency through this block of matches."
The Victorian women will face South Australia on Tuesday February 3 and Thursday February 5, with both matches beginning at 10.30am AEDT.
Victorian Women's 13 Player Squad
Rhys McKenna (c) – Prahran CC
Sophie Day – Prahran CC
Nicole Faltum – Dandenong CC
Tess Flintoff – Ringwood CC
Hasrat Gill – Melbourne CC
Ella Hayward (vc) – Essendon Maribyrnong Park Ladies CC
Olivia Henry – Prahran CC
Ira Aery – Essendon Maribyrnong Park Ladies CC
Sophie Molineux – Dandenong CC
Sasha Moloney – Carlton CC
Sophie Reid – Carlton CC
Zoe Samuel – Melbourne CC
Annabel Sutherland – Prahran CC
