Victoria has selected its squad for the Sheffield Shield opening match against South Australia at the Junction Oval, in a rematch of last season's Final.
Chris Rogers' side will be looking to build on an outstanding 2025/26 campaign, which saw Victoria's side sit on top of the Sheffield Shield standings throughout the season on their way to hosting the Final.
Victoria welcomes back significant experience for the season opener, with Peter Handscomb, Matt Short, Campbell Kellaway, Marcus Harris and Fergus O'Neill returning to the squad.
Handscomb, Kellaway and O'Neill return following Australia A duties, while exciting young batter Oliver Peake rejoins Victoria after representing Australia during its ODI series against South Africa.
The squad also features three potential Sheffield Shield debutants, with Austin Anlezark, Liam Blackford and Harry Hoekstra all in contention to earn their first cap for Victoria.
Blackford enters the Shield squad in outstanding form after making an immediate impact in the Dean Jones Trophy. The match could also mark the first time three of Victoria's most exciting batting prospects – Kellaway, Peake and Blackford – feature together in a Sheffield Shield XI.
Victorian Head Coach Chris Rogers said the opening match presented an opportunity to build on the standards established last season.
"Last season showed what this group is capable of across a long Shield campaign, but this is a new season, and we're excited to be back in action," Rogers said.
"We're really pleased to welcome back the experience of Peter Handscomb, Marcus Harris and Fergus O'Neill. They've played a lot of cricket at this level and know what it takes to perform consistently in Shield cricket.
"We've also got a really exciting group of young players pushing for opportunities. Austin, Liam and Harry have all earned their place in the squad through their performances and development, and it's exciting to see them putting pressure on for selection.
"South Australia are obviously a quality side and there's plenty of familiarity between the two teams after last season's Final. It's a great challenge to start our Shield season and we're looking forward to playing at home at the Junction."
Victorian Squad vs South Australia
Peter Handscomb – St Kilda CC (c)
Austin Anlezark – Richmond CC
Liam Blackford – Geelong CC
Sam Elliott – Fitzroy Doncaster CC
Marcus Harris – St Kilda CC
Harry Hoekstra – Casey South Melbourne CC
Campbell Kellaway – Melbourne CC
David Moody – Melbourne CC
Fergus O'Neill – Melbourne CC
Oliver Peake – Geelong CC
Matt Short – Northcote CC
Doug Warren – Melbourne University CC
Victoria face South Australia in the opening match of the Sheffield Shield on Wednesday, October 7 - 10, with play beginning at 10:30 AM AEDT. The match can be seen live on Kayo Sports and cricket.com.au
