Victoria makes two changes for its must-win Sheffield Shield clash against South Australia

Victoria will turn to one of its brightest young stars in its must-win Sheffield Shield clash this week and it won’t be the only change.

Victoria will turn to one of its brightest young stars this week and unveil 18-year-old Oliver Peake in its must-win Sheffield Shield clash against South Australia.

Needing a win to keep their Shield season alive, the Vics have turned to Peake, who spent the early part of February with the Australian Test team in Sri Lanka.

On his return to Australia he delivered a final knock on the Victoria selectors’ door when he hit 99 for the Second XI against Western Australia two weeks ago.

The stylish left-hander made his Big Bash League debut for the Melbourne Renegades earlier this summer and could potentially come in for Tom Rogers, who failed to fire in Victoria’s last Shield game against NSW at No.3.

Australia coach Andrew McDonald recently told SEN that Peake was a player who had been earmarked for a bright future.

“There’s no doubt Ollie Peake has been earmarked as a potential first-class player and has he got the potential to play international cricket? Some are saying maybe,” he said.

Oliver Peake has performed for Victoria at all levels and on Thursday he will make his Sheffield Shield debut. Picture: Dylan Burns

“We had a great opportunity, supported by Cricket Australia, to bring over a development player and he (Peake) was the one we chose.

“To watch him around the group, he had Sammy Konstas there as well, it’s weird to have two come out of the under-19s World Cup team in the Australian environment.

“One is competing for a spot at the top of the order and the other is on a development tour – it was a strange set up but nice for him to have a mate on tour.

“To see him go to work was exciting for us and for him to connect with Michael Di Venuto, who has done a magnificent group with the batting group, I think that early point of contact is important to understand how we view cricket.

“Hopefully, that spreads the word and helps shape him in some way.”

Former NSW player Blake MacDonald will also make his Victorian debut after twin centuries in the Second XI. Picture: Mike Owen/Getty Images

Peake is not the only change to Victoria’s XI, with Blake MacDonald also set to earn a state debut.

MacDonald, who was contracted by NSW last season, struck twin centuries in the same seconds match to complement his dominant Victorian Premier Cricket form.

Young gun Harry Dixon last week backed MacDonald to get his opportunity for Victoria.

“Blake is a magnificent player, he’s been making runs everywhere since he came down to Melbourne which is a credit to him,” Dixon said.

“He’s a really good player, he should get an opportunity soon, whether it comes I am not sure but he’s a really good player.”

Originally published as Victoria makes two changes for its must-win Sheffield Shield clash against South Australia