Victorian quick James Pattinson has been ruled out of the Sheffield Shield final in Perth after succumbing to a calf injury, while opening batsman Marcus Harris is in doubt for the fixture following a positive Covid-19 result.
Pattinson played an integral part in Victoria's push for a home final last week with figures of 3/96 from 24 overs, also against Western Australia.
He is set to be replaced by Ashes-hero Scott Boland, who will be playing his first first-class match in over a month.
James Pattinson lit up the #SheffieldShield final at Junction Oval against New South Wales with a breathtaking spell of bowling three years ago. James missing this year’s final through injury is massive blow for Victoria.
— Adam White (@White_Adam) March 29, 2022
As for Marcus Harris, Cricket Victoria claim his involvement in the game is still up in the air, with the rest of the squad already touching down in Perth on Tuesday.
"Marcus Harris is on standby to travel to Perth to join up with the squad. Harris recorded a positive RAT on his return from Australia's tour of Pakistan. He will continue to test over the next two days to confirm whether he is able to travel, subject to a negative result," Cricket Victoria said in a statement.
Chris Rogers affirmed the ambiguity and uncertainty of the situation while speaking to RSN Radio on Tuesday; "that's thrown a spanner into the works, it hasn't been smooth sailing for us".
"We're hoping that he'll test negative in the meantime so he'll still be able to play by Thursday, but obviously that will be touch and go."
Batters Jake Fraser-McGurk and fast bowler Cameron McClure have been omitted from the squad, while Jono Merlo and Fergus O'Neill have been added to the 14-man squad for the final alongside Boland.
Our #SheffieldShield Final squad is in.
James Pattinson has been ruled out with a minor calf injury while Scott Boland, Marcus Harris*, Jono Merlo & Fergus O'Neill come in 💪
Info: https://t.co/2HuEuNAYve#vicsdoitbetter pic.twitter.com/QPEtOBzA84
— Victorian Cricket Team (@VicStateCricket) March 29, 2022
Day 1 of the Sheffield Shield final will kick off at the WACA Ground in Perth tomorrow morning.