Give this Cat a bat in shield

Geelong run machine Eamonn Vines is averaging 114, surely it’s time for the Vics to ...

Borovec added weight to the argument, believing 23year-old Vines is bashing down the door.

“He’d have to be close,” he said yesterday.

“I just know that when you’re outside the squad, you basically have to do what he’s doing right now to be considered.

“He’s making big runs, so he’s doing everything he possibly can. The challenge is Victoria has won three Sheffield Shields, so there’s not a lot of room to move because the guys who are being selected are doing a damn good job.

“The opportunity that would open up for him is there’s Australian selection around the corner and it could be that Eamonn’s in the right place at the right time.

“In reality, he’s going to have to maintain a high-level of form.

“What he’s got to focus on is staying nice and level (headed), consistent with his preparation and try to be there if that spot opens up.

“And it’s an if, it’s not when, because of the fact Victoria has done really good things and they’ve got a strong squad.

“With Cameron White being left out, there’s the evidence right there.”

Working in Victoria’s favour is the five-Test Ashes series against England.

Handscomb is certain for the top-order, while Maxwell looms as Australia’s No.6.

Melbourne gun Will Pucovski, who played in the Cricket Australia XI against England this week, is almost certainly next in line, and then is has to be Vines.

“He’s got the point of difference in being able to play the new ball, which is a skill particularly with the new red ball,” Borovec said of Vines.

“And his coaching and fielding has really stood out in the Futures League. He’s doing everything he humanly can.

“The thing we can also discount at times is he’s doing an awfully good job as a leader. He’s able to lead a district cricket club at a young age, and in challenging circumstances.

“He’s had to worry about his own performance, but also bring a few along with him.”

THE likely selection of Glenn Maxwell as Australia’s Test No.6 could open the door for Eamonn Vines to make his Sheffield Shield debut.

That’s the view of Geelong coach Andre Borovec, who believes the departure of Victorian duo Maxwell and Peter Handscomb to national duties will create an opportunity for Premier cricket’s leading runscorer.

Vines, pictured, belted 83 in the Cats’ win over Melbourne University on Saturday, taking his season tally to 684 at a staggering average of 114 in eight digs. That includes a swashbuckling 178 for Victoria’s Futures League team against South Australia just a week ago.

Victorian wicketkeeping great Darren “Chuck” Berry has called for Vines to be promoted to the Bushrangers’ Shield side, while former Test batsman Brad Hodge has declared “the boy can play”.