Battle on for Shield final spot

CRICKET: A match-day decision will mean heartbreak for either veteran quick Peter Siddle or young batsman Sam Harper as Victoria weighs up the best team to take down NSW in the Sheffield Shield final.

The loss of batsman Nic Maddinson has opened the door for Cameron White, who is out of contract at the end of the season, to play what could be his last game for the Vics.

But the nature of the Junction Oval wicket will determine the final member of the XI and coach Andrew McDonald confirmed a fourpronged fast bowling attack was a strong option, along with spinner Jon

Holland.

Scott Boland, who missed last week’s game against South Australia, is a certainty to return for the final starting today after being voted Sheffield Shield player of the year for his 45 wickets in nine games.

McDonald said firebrand James Pattinson (pictured), who has taken 10 wickets at an average of just 12 in the past two games, could “light up a game” and would also play.

Andrew Fekete, who also played against SA, was omitted from the original 14-man squad.

The Vics have played four fast bowlers before this season, including against SA, with Pattinson batting at seven, which McDonald wouldn’t rule out doing again.

“Cameron White will play and then it comes down to Sam Harper and a bowler,” he said.

“If we play three quicks and a spinner, then Harper gets the nod, if it’s four quicks and a spinner, he doesn’t. It really is an educated guess, and hindsight will tell you whether it’s right or wrong. But we’ll make the best decision for the team.

“The wicket has changed even in 24 hours from Tuesday to Wednesday. We’ll assess it and make the final call on the morning of the game.”