Victoria has confirmed its 13-player squad for Round 8 of the Sheffield Shield against Western Australia at the WACA, beginning Monday February 16.
The ladder-leading Victorians will be aiming to strengthen their grip on top spot and take another step toward securing a home final as the competition enters its decisive final stretch.
The Shield squad welcomes back Captain Will Sutherland, alongside stars Matt Short and Oliver Peake, in a significant boost to the group.
Peake enjoyed an outstanding Australian Under 19s campaign, where he produced back-to-back centuries to underline his immense talent on the national stage.
Scott Boland also returns for his first match since his Ashes success, a testament to his enduring pride in representing Victoria.
Boland's inclusion further bolsters an already formidable pace attack, with Victoria currently boasting three of the competition's top eight leading wicket-takers – Mitch Perry (25 wickets), Sam Elliott (23) and Fergus O'Neill (22).
The dominance of these three young players highlights the strength of Victoria's pathways and development system.
Victorian Men's Head Coach Chris Rogers said the squad is energised by the opportunity ahead.
"We're a really connected group. There's a strong sense of support for one another, and a genuine drive to get the best out of each other every day," Rogers said.
"There's enormous pride in putting on the navy blue cap. The opportunity to keep building towards something that makes our state and the wider Victorian cricket family proud is what's driving us.
"We've had a solid week of training and team building and taken some important learnings from last round, and we're ready to put in a strong performance against a quality WA side.
"It's a testament to Scott's dedication and commitment to this group that he's returning and wanting to be part of the journey we're on. We're also thrilled to welcome back world-class talents in Matt Short and Ollie Peake, and to have our skipper Will Sutherland back raring to go."
Victoria will face Western Australia in the Sheffield Shield at the WACA from February 16-19, with play beginning at 1:30 pm AEDT.
Victoria Sheffield Shield Squad: Round 8
Will Sutherland (Prahran) (c)
Scott Boland (Frankston Peninsula)
Dylan Brasher (Footscray)
Sam Elliott (Fitzroy Doncaster)
Peter Handscomb (St Kilda)
Sam Harper (Melbourne)
Campbell Kellaway (Melbourne)
Blake Macdonald (St Kilda)
Todd Murphy (St Kilda)
Fergus O'Neill (Melbourne)
Oliver Peake (Geelong)
Mitch Perry (Richmond)
Matt Short (Northcote)
