Victoria name second XI side for NSW clash
Victorian selectors have announced a 12-man squad to face New South Wales in a 2nd XI match at Hurstville Oval commencing today.
There have been three changes to the Futures League outfit that was convincingly beaten by Tasmania on the Sunshine Coast last month.
Commonwealth Bank Bushrangers Mark Cleary and Will Sheridan and ex-NSW player Simon Keen come into the squad for Michael Hill, Glenn Maxwell and Brenton McDonald.
Keen, a former Australian Under-19 player, has impressed Victorian coach Shawn Flegler in the pre-season.
"He has been part of NSW's state squad for a few years so he knows what the first-class system is about," Flegler said.
"He has come down during the winter to play for Carlton and he got a couple of handy wickets on Saturday (2-24) and made a few as well (43 not out)."
Keen also played in all three of the Bushrangers' intra-squad matches, claiming 3-24 in one match and taking the wickets of Brad Hodge and Andrew McDonald.
The side will be bolstered by the presence of Bupa Sheffield Shield players Ryan Carters, Peter Handscomb and Alex Keath.
"The challenge for them is to come down to the lower level and put in a good performance so they will be ready for their next opportunity," Flegler said.
Flegler is familiar with Hurstville Oval, having coached a Futures League match there two seasons ago, and believes there is something in the pitch for all players.
"There is a little bit in it on the first day and it takes some turn later in the match," Flegler said.
"It is a small ground with a quick outfield so there are plenty of runs on offer".
The four-day clash will be staged at Hurstville Oval, Sydney from October 17-20.
Victorian 2nd XI Team v NSW
Scott Boland - Frankston Pen CC
Ryan Carters (C) - Richmond CC
Mark Cleary - St Kilda CC
Andrew Delmont - Richmond CC
Steven Gilmour - Melbourne CC
Peter Handscomb - St Kilda CC
Alexander Keath - Melbourne CC
Simon Keen - Carlton CC
Steven Reid - Essendon CC
Clive Rose - Casey South Melbourne CC
Daniel Salpietro - Prahran CC
Will Sheridan - Richmond CC
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