Victoria has confirmed its squad for Friday’s day-night Dean Jones Trophy clash against arch rivals New South Wales, with Australian stars Glenn Maxwell and Scott Boland set to feature in a historic first for Victorian cricket.
The Grand Final Eve public holiday encounter will be the first match played under lights at the Junction Oval, launching an exciting summer of cricket in Melbourne.
Australian World Cup winner Maxwell will make his first appearance for Victoria since September 19 last year, while Boland returns to the state side for his first match of the domestic season.
Victoria enters the match looking to begin its Dean Jones Trophy campaign with consecutive victories following a remarkable win over Queensland.
Chasing an imposing 336 for victory, centuries from captain Will Sutherland and rookie wicketkeeper Liam Blackford brought Victoria back from the brink and secured one of the most impressive run chases in Australian domestic one-day history.
Blackford produced a stunning unbeaten 149, combining with Sutherland to transform the contest and propel Victoria to victory with one ball remaining.
Victorian Head Coach Chris Rogers said the opportunity to play under lights at the Junction added another layer of excitement to an important contest.
“This is a significant occasion for Victorian cricket and a fantastic opportunity for our players and supporters to experience the Junction Oval in a completely different way,” Rogers said.
“To play the inaugural match under lights at our historic home ground is really exciting, and we’re looking forward to seeing a strong Victorian crowd make the most of the public holiday and get behind the team.
“The manner of our win against Queensland demonstrated the belief and resilience within this group. Will and Liam produced two outstanding innings under enormous pressure, but our focus now shifts to building on that performance against New South Wales.
“It’s also brilliant to welcome Glenn and Scott back into the squad. They bring enormous experience and quality, and their inclusion only adds to what should be a memorable day.”
Friday’s match will mark Victoria’s first home appearance of the 2026/27 domestic season.
Victoria faces New South Wales in the Dean Jones Trophy on Friday, 2pm AEST, September 25 at the Junction Oval. The historic Grand Final Eve encounter will be the first match played under lights at the venue. Tickets can be purchased here.
Victorian squad v New South Wales
- Will Sutherland (c) – Prahran CC
- Austin Anlezark – Richmond CC
- Scott Boland – Frankston Peninsula CC
- Liam Blackford – Geelong CC
- Harry Dixon – St Kilda CC
- Sam Elliott – Fitzroy Doncaster CC
- Harry Hoekstra – Casey South Melbourne CC
- Blake MacDonald – St Kilda CC
- Glenn Maxwell – Fitzroy Doncaster CC
- Tom Rogers – Ringwood CC
- Matt Short – Premier Club TBC
- Doug Warren – Melbourne University CC
