NSW captain Nevill to miss Shield clash
NSW captain Peter Nevill will miss the season-defining Sheffield Shield match against Tasmania to be at the birth of his first child.
Nevill's wife is expected to give birth within days, so he will sit out the clash in Tasmania which will decide the Blues' fate.
Entering the final round of Shield games starting Wednesday, Victoria are assured of hosting the final regardless of the outcome of their fixture against winless South Australia in Adelaide.
The Vics (50.31 points) are followed by NSW (38.46) and Western Australia (36.9).
WA host defending champions Queensland (30.82), who need an outright win and sequence of other results to fall their way to sneak into the decider.
Tasmania (29.24) also need a win and a miracle while the Redbacks (15.41) are out of the running.
NSW's Nevill didn't travel with his teammates to Hobart, with the Kurtis Patterson-led Blues summoning 19-year-old wicketkeeper Baxter Holt for his Shield debut.
NSW also included two other uncapped players, 25-year-old batsman Nick Bertus and 22-year-old paceman Liam Hatcher in their 14-man squad.
Blues seamer Trent Copeland was bullish about Holt, Australia's under-19s gloveman, and Bertus and Hatcher performing well if they all get the selection nod.
"Nick Bertus has been churning out runs in grade cricket for years and deserves his chance," Copeland said.
"Liam Hatcher bowls 145km/h. He's red-headed, he's angry at times, and he's got a bit about him that I think will lend himself to playing well at Shield level."
Queensland have summoned fast bowler Billy Stanlake for their must-win clash against WA in Perth.
The Bulls are clinging to their mathematical chance but appear resigned to missing the final with stalwart Luke Feldman announcing his pending retirement.
The 34-year-old Feldman will return to the Queensland police force after a 10-year first-class career.
"I have enjoyed playing with and against some outstanding cricketers and this game will be no different, other than it is probably my last for Queensland," he said.
