Victoria elevates uncontracted speedster David Moody into squad for final round of Sheffield Shield

Victoria has elevated an uncontracted quick, who recently hit speeds as high as 145km/h, to its squad for the final round of the Sheffield Shield season.

Victoria has parachuted uncontracted speedster David Moody into its squad for its must-win Sheffield Shield clash against Western Australia as four teams vie to face South Australia in the final ahead of the last round of matches.

The Vics are second last on the table but can win their way into the final by toppling WA, needing other results to also go their way, and have recalled captain Will Sutherland who skipped last week’s home loss to SA.

“We haven’t performed the way we would like over the last four matches and we’re determined to get back to style of cricket we know we’re very good at,” Victoria coach Chris Rogers said.

“We know the equations around the final so it’s just up to us to go to Perth, play smart cricket and put in a solid performance.

“Campbell Kellaway and Harry Dixon have been two emerging success stories for us this season and we’re looking forward to what they can do against a strong WA lineup.

“It’s been great to see the progress from both players, who are showing great promise at such a young age.”

David Moody (right) has been elevated to Victoria’s squad. Picture: Michael Klein

Moody, 29, a former West Aussie and the nephew of ex-Test man Tom Moody, played the last of his 38 games for WA against Victoria in 2023.

He moved to Victoria in pursuit of further state opportunities two seasons ago and has played at Melbourne in Victorian Premier Cricket.

Moody has played in Victoria’s Second XI across the season and captured 6-24 in the first innings against ACT earlier this week.

He was withdrawn from the second innings of that match as part of his Shield call-up.

Talk of Moody’s elevation into the state side increased during a Second XI match against Western Australia at Junction Oval in February.

While Moody did not take a wicket on the final day, sources suggested he reached speeds as high as 145km/h.

Moody is part of a 13-player squad which also includes veteran fast bowler Peter Siddle who could play his final match at first-class level after he told this masthead in January that he would retire from the longer format at season’s end.

Originally published as Victoria elevates uncontracted speedster David Moody into squad for final round of Sheffield Shield