Handscomb, Murphy boost Victoria for WA Shield final

Captain Peter Handscomb and offspinner Todd Murphy will return to the Victorian team for the Sheffield Shield final against WA after the India Test tour.

PETER HANDSCOMB.
PETER HANDSCOMB. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

Victoria will regain captain Peter Handscomb and offspinner Todd Murphy for the Sheffield Shield final against Western Australia in Perth.

Handscomb and Murphy have returned from the India Test tour, where Australia lost 2-1.

They are another boost for Victoria after last week's seven-wicket Shield win over WA, also at the WACA.

Murphy was a revelation in India, taking five wickets in an innings on debut, and 14 across the four Tests at an average of 25.

Handscomb also played in the four matches, scoring 72no in the second Test at Delhi.

WA emerged as Shield winners over Victoria in last year's drawn final by scoring more bonus points.

Victoria will take a five-game winning streak into the final, which starts on Thursday.

Scott Boland, who played in the first Test, was player of the match last week with eight wickets against WA.

"To win five matches in a row to qualify is a special feat. Everyone is really excited to get back over to Perth and hopefully return with the Shield," said Victorian cricket boss David Hussey.

"The way that the side performed last week was outstanding, the bowling group was well led by the returning Scott Boland and the way that the batting group, particularly Marcus Harris and Matt Short, were able to bat through tough periods and execute plans was a credit to them.

"Beating WA is tough in any conditions but to do it over there and qualify for the final gives us great momentum."