Sheffield Shield Final: Victoria vs Queensland at Junction Oval
So, the Sheffield Shield comes down to this. Victoria haven't lost a game all season, in fact they have not conceded a point to their opposition since we started way back in October. It is a truly remarkable feat and they will go into the game as strong favourites. However, a lot hangs over the Victorians this summer, they've played in two finals already and threw away both just when they got themselves into a winning position so saying they have to win this final is an understatement.
Queensland have been the second best side for most of the year and have had a bit of a surge in the last few rounds with the exception of round ten in which they played Victoria. The Vics scored over 800 and batted for more than 230 overs in what became a total run-fest at the MCG. It may have been payback for Queensland's effort a few seasons ago where they racked up 900 in the final whilst Victoria spent more than two days in the field.
Queensland have added Daniel Doran to boost the bowling stocks whilst Nick Kruger comes in to prop up the batting. Chris Swan has been cut from the 15-man team. Victoria's squad includes Clint McKay, Shane Harwood and Dirk Nannes who are all returning from injury. The Vics also go in without a specialist spin option and will relt on David Hussey, Cameron White and Brad Hodge as the team's spin options.
The pitch is going to be a batting one which will Suit the Vics as they only need to draw the match in order to win the Sheffield Shield. After scoring 8/806 in the previous game, they'll be confident of doing something similar in this match in order to shut out the Queenslanders.
We should see a good game hopefully, Victoria will go in as favourites but Queensland have been the dark horse and with Symonds, Watson and Hopes playing can't be discounted from giving the Vics a run for their money. Should be a cracker.
Victoria XI: *Cameron White, Chris Rogers, Nick Jewell, Brad Hodge, David Hussey, Rob Quiney, Matthew Wade, Damien Wright, Clinton McKay, Shane Harwood, Dirk Nannes, Lloyd Mash (12th man)
Queensland XV: Ryan Broad, Nick Kruger, Martin Love, Shane Watson, Andrew Symonds, Lee Carseldine, James Hopes, +Chris Hartley, *Chris Simpson, Daniel Doran, Ben Cutting, Nathan Rimmington, Ben Laughlin (2 to be omitted)
Umpires: Bruce Oxenford and Paul Reiffel
3rd Umpire: Ian Lock
Weather:
(All Temps in Degrees Celcius)
Friday: Showers and possible storms, 27
Saturday: Possible early thunderstorm, rain easing to showers, 22
Sunday: Shower or two, 19
Monday: Shower or two clearing, 20
Tuesday: Early cloud then fine, 23
Game starts at 11am local time (10am AEST), midnight GMT.
So, the Sheffield Shield comes down to this. Victoria haven't lost a game all season, in fact they have not conceded a point to their opposition since we started way back in October. It is a truly remarkable feat and they will go into the game as strong favourites. However, a lot hangs over the Victorians this summer, they've played in two finals already and threw away both just when they got themselves into a winning position so saying they have to win this final is an understatement.
Queensland have been the second best side for most of the year and have had a bit of a surge in the last few rounds with the exception of round ten in which they played Victoria. The Vics scored over 800 and batted for more than 230 overs in what became a total run-fest at the MCG. It may have been payback for Queensland's effort a few seasons ago where they racked up 900 in the final whilst Victoria spent more than two days in the field.
Queensland have added Daniel Doran to boost the bowling stocks whilst Nick Kruger comes in to prop up the batting. Chris Swan has been cut from the 15-man team. Victoria's squad includes Clint McKay, Shane Harwood and Dirk Nannes who are all returning from injury. The Vics also go in without a specialist spin option and will relt on David Hussey, Cameron White and Brad Hodge as the team's spin options.
The pitch is going to be a batting one which will Suit the Vics as they only need to draw the match in order to win the Sheffield Shield. After scoring 8/806 in the previous game, they'll be confident of doing something similar in this match in order to shut out the Queenslanders.
We should see a good game hopefully, Victoria will go in as favourites but Queensland have been the dark horse and with Symonds, Watson and Hopes playing can't be discounted from giving the Vics a run for their money. Should be a cracker.
Victoria XI: *Cameron White, Chris Rogers, Nick Jewell, Brad Hodge, David Hussey, Rob Quiney, Matthew Wade, Damien Wright, Clinton McKay, Shane Harwood, Dirk Nannes, Lloyd Mash (12th man)
Queensland XV: Ryan Broad, Nick Kruger, Martin Love, Shane Watson, Andrew Symonds, Lee Carseldine, James Hopes, +Chris Hartley, *Chris Simpson, Daniel Doran, Ben Cutting, Nathan Rimmington, Ben Laughlin (2 to be omitted)
Umpires: Bruce Oxenford and Paul Reiffel
3rd Umpire: Ian Lock
Weather:
(All Temps in Degrees Celcius)
Friday: Showers and possible storms, 27
Saturday: Possible early thunderstorm, rain easing to showers, 22
Sunday: Shower or two, 19
Monday: Shower or two clearing, 20
Tuesday: Early cloud then fine, 23
Game starts at 11am local time (10am AEST), midnight GMT.
