Wade back for Vics' crucial Shield clash

Victorian cricket captain Matthew Wade is back for their pivotal last-round Sheffield Shield match against NSW in Alice Springs.

The Bushrangers have lost their last two games and now have to beat the in-form Blues to ensure they make the final.

The top-of-the-table Bushrangers could still qualify for the decider if they lose to the third-placed Blues and second-placed Queensland go down to Western Australia at the Gabba - or fail to bank enough bonus points to pass the Vics.

Wade missed last week's loss to Queensland for the birth of his first child.

The wicketkeeper-batsman is Victoria's only inclusion in the 12-man squad for the match starting next Tuesday, with Sam Harper and Jake Reed left out.

Vic squad:

Matthew Wade (capt), Fawad Ahmed, Scott Boland, Dan Christian, Travis Dean, Peter Handscomb, Ian Holland, Jon Holland, Rob Quiney, Marcus Stoinis, Chris Tremain, Cameron White.