The Victorian Bushrangers will take on the Western Warriors at Traeger Park in Alice Springs from today.

The Bushrangers must win the Sheffield Shield match if they are to retain the top of the ladder spot and bring the final to the Red Centre.

Sport and Recreation Executive Director Phillip Leslie wished the Victorian side luck against the competitive rivals.

“The Northern Territory Government is proud to welcome the Bushrangers back to Traeger Park and hopes they can continue their brilliant season and secure another win in Alice Springs,” Mr Leslie said.

“I encourage all Centralians to attend the match to support our adoptive Victorian team and witness elite cricket in action.”

This will be the fourth time Victoria has played a first-class match in Alice Springs, having previously played Tasmania and Queensland in 2014-15 and New South Wales in 2015-16 for two wins and a draw respectively.

Traeger Park will also host the Shield final from March 26, if the Bushrangers earn the hosting rights.

Victorian Bushrangers Head Coach Andrew McDonald said the team is confident and ready for the crucial match.

“We’re happy to be back in Alice Springs where we’ve been fortunate to have terrific support at our home away from home. It’s an important clash in the context of our Sheffield Shield season and we’re looking forward to getting underway.”

Victoria’s squad features only one change, with Rob Quiney making way for spinner Fawad Ahmed. Should Ahmed be named in the final XI, it will be his first appearance for Victoria this Sheffield Shield season.

Admission is FREE and the match will be live streamed on cricket.com.au

Commonwealth Bank Bushrangers squad
Cameron White (C)
Fawad Ahmed
Scott Boland
Dan Christian
Travis Dean
Aaron Finch
Seb Gotch
Marcus Harris
Jon Holland
James Pattinson
Marcus Stoinis
Chris Tremain

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