Vics expecting spicy WACA pitch

Victorian coach Chris Rogers expects a lively WACA surface for the crunch clash against Western Australia, in a match that will define both states seasons.

Speaking to Sports Breakfast on Tuesday, Rogers anticipated a wicket with plenty of assistance for the bowlers as both teams look to secure a finals berth.

“It’s going to be lively no doubt,” he said.

“I don’t think WA are going to die wondering, they need a result and I think they will roll the dice and have a really lively wicket.

“We’ve got some really good bowlers that we think can utilise the conditions as well. It’s going to be a good game and it’s going to be exciting. Hopefully we can get the result that we want.”

Victoria sit on top of the Sheffield Shield table ahead of the final round, undefeated so far this summer with three wins and three draws having had a delayed start due to covid issues at the start of the season.

Western Australia sit third on the table leading in to the final round of matches, however with teams having played a different number of games in a covid affected season the Sheffield Shield finalists will be determined by average points per match, meaning Victoria (average 4.91 points) and WA (4.10 points) are in the box seat to play in the final starting March 31st.

New South Wales (3.35 points), Queensland (3.29) and Tasmania (3.19) remain outside chances, the Bulls and Tigers on a collision course at Blundstone Arena while the Blues face bottom placed South Australia at Karen Rolton Oval.

A win or a draw will be enough for Victoria to host the final, while a win to Western Australia could well propel them to top of the table.

Will Pucovski is set to return to first class cricket for the first time since early February when he suffered an eleventh career concussion in warmups ahead of day four of the clash against South Australia, the 24 year old returning to the venue where he made 243 in October 2018.

Rogers said the talented right hander was ready to return to first class level for just his second first class game in 18 months.

“It’s been interesting times for Will no doubt. We are all getting to the bottom of what this actually is. We’ve had the processes in place, the medical professionals have been a part of this process and he’s been given the all clear,” he said.

“He’s been playing local cricket for his grade club Melbourne Cricket Club and played a four-day 2nd XI game last week. Everything’s been going really well.

“We look forward to having him back, as we all know he’s a fantastic player. He wants to play cricket and that’s the most important thing.”

The Sheffield Shield match between Western Australia and Victoria commences from the WACA Ground from 10:00 AM local time, 91.3 Sport FM to cover every ball live with coverage to start from 9:50 AM.

IMAGE: Victoria Cricket.