New Victorian cricket coach David Saker says the pressure is on him and his top-shelf squad ahead of the one-day Matador Cup.
Former England bowling coach Saker has taken over the head job at the Bushrangers, whom he says have underperformed in the one-day form of the game.
There are seven Victorian players, including wicketkeeping skipper Matthew Wade, who were part of the Australian squad that recently faced England.
"It's a good squad. It puts a bit of pressure on you when you look at the experience in that team and some of the young, skilful players we've got in the group," Saker said.
"We've probably under-performed in one-day cricket for a long time and I think it's a really hungry group to prove a point.
"We believe we've got a side that can win it and that's what we're going for."
The Bushrangers finished fifth in the 2014-15 Cup, won by Western Australia.
Victoria will play three practice matches before their first fixture of the three-week tournament in Sydney on October 7 against the Cricket Australia XI.
One player hoping to make his debut is all-rounder Ian Holland, who forced his way back into the squad after winning Victoria's Premier cricket player of the season award.
Holland had a rookie contract with the Bushrangers in the 2012-13 season after winning the 'Cricket Superstar' television show.
But the 24-year-old failed to break into the line-up and was delisted.
Saker said Holland, who scored 724 runs at an average of 40.22 and claimed a season-high 52 wickets at 13.72 last season, deserved another chance.
"His performances in club cricket were outstanding last year and he fits the mould as a player who can play multiple roles for us." said Saker.
"His No.1 strength is his batting but he can also bowl with the new ball and in the middle and he's also a really good fielder."
Holland also impressed in a recent Bushrangers' "Survivor" camp, which Saker brought in after completing the same with the England team.
"We took them out in the bush and got them to do physical and mental tasks and deprived them of food and sleep," Saker said.
"It's fantastic for team building and really tests people so I felt we got a lot out of it."
Victoria: Matthew Wade (capt), Fawad Ahmed, Scott Boland, Dan Christian, Aaron Finch, Peter Handscomb, John Hastings, Ian Holland, Jon Holland, Clint McKay, James Pattinson, Rob Quiney, Marcus Stoinis, Cameron White.
Share
