Victoria has confirmed its 13-player squad for Round 7 of the Sheffield Shield against Queensland at the MCG beginning Thursday February 5.
The ladder leading Victorians will be looking to strengthen its position and take another step toward securing a home final as the competition enters the final month of regular season .
The squad features several changes, with Dylan Brasher coming into the side to replace Marcus Harris, who continues his recovery from back surgery. Brasher's inclusion follows a prolific run of form in Premier Cricket and in Victoria's Second XI team.
Tom Rogers has also been named, replacing Oliver Peake, who is away Captaining Australia in the Under 19s World Cup.
Rogers earned selection after a dominant performance in recent Second XI cricket, scoring an unbeaten 216 against South Australia.
The powerful left-hander was also one of his side's best players in yesterday's comprehensive seven-wicket win over Queensland in the Dean Jones Trophy, taking a brilliant one-handed catch to dismiss Marnus Labuschagne, while also scoring 69.
Will Sutherland will be managed for the round, with Peter Handscomb to lead the home side.
Victorian Men's Head Coach Chris Rogers said the group remains focused on maintaining its relentless standards as we build towards the business end of the season.
"We're in a strong position on the table, but the focus hasn't shifted," Rogers said.
"Every match is an opportunity to keep improving and put ourselves in the best possible position to earn the right to host a final, which would be so exciting for our Victorian community.
"We've got players stepping in and performing when opportunities arise, and that depth will be important as we manage workloads and navigate this crucial next block."
Victoria will face Queensland at the MCG from Thursday February 5 - 8 with play beginning at 10:30AM AEST.
Peter Handscomb (c) (St Kilda)
Dylan Brasher (Footscray
Xavier Crone (Frankston)
Harry Dixon (St Kilda)
Sam Elliott (Fitzroy Doncaster)
Sam Harper (Melbourne)
Campbell Kellaway (Melbourne)
Blake Macdonald (St Kilda)
David Moody (Melbourne)
Todd Murphy (St Kilda)
Fergus O'Neill (Melbourne)
Mitch Perry (Richmond)
Tom Rogers (Ringwood)
