Victoria has confirmed its 13-player squad for the opening match of the 2025/26 Sheffield Shield season, with the team travelling to Adelaide Oval to face reigning champions South Australia beginning on Saturday 4 October.
The Vics welcome back several players following strong off-season campaigns. Campbell Kellaway, Fergus O'Neill, and Oliver Peake return after representing Australia A in India, while veterans Marcus Harris and Peter Handscomb both enjoyed a summer in England playing for Lancashire and Leicestershire, respectively.
Test quick Scott Boland is also set to feature, spearheading the Victorian attack as he looks to push for national selection ahead of the upcoming Ashes tour later this year.
Handscomb will captain the side with Will Sutherland currently on tour with the Australia A One Day squad in India. Sutherland is joined by teammates Todd Murphy, Harry Dixon and Sam Elliott, making them unavailable alongside Matt Short who is in New Zealand with Australia's T20 squad.
Victorian Head Coach Chris Rogers said the squad was primed for a strong start to their Sheffield Shield campaign.
"There's always a buzz heading into the first game of the season and being up against last year's winners is even more motivation for the group to prove ourselves," Rogers said.
"It was a great opportunity for some of our younger players to represent Australia A in India, and I am confident they will be better for the experience. To have them come back into the group alongside the experience of Boland, Handscomb and Harris gives great depth to the squad."
"We didn't start our Dean Jones Trophy campaign the way we wanted, so we have regrouped and reminded ourselves why we are here - to represent Victoria, fight for every run and wicket, and ultimately come out with the points."
Victoria's Sheffield Shield Squad:
- Scott Boland
- Peter Handscomb (c)
- Sam Harper
- Marcus Harris
- Campbell Kellaway
- Blake MacDonald
- Cam McClure
- David Moody
- Fergus O'Neill
- Oliver Peake
- Mitch Perry
- Tom Rogers
- Doug Warren
Victoria faces South Australia in the opening round of the Sheffield Shield starting at 9:30 AM (ADST) on Saturday 4 October at Adelaide Oval, with coverage on cricket.com.au and Kayo Sports.
