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Atonement is often a powerful motivating influence in sport. When carried by a team that also happens to be extremely talented, then it can give rise to an almost irresistible force. And it is for those reasons essentially that Victoria looks magnificently placed to make a major assault on this year's Pura Cup. Having finished third in 1998-99 and been runners-up last summer, there is a clear sense that the Bushrangers have served an apprenticeship, are primed, and are ready to take the extra step. Very ready. While Matthew Elliott remains the only one among the top five of their batting line-up to have ever played at international level, the huge personal hauls of runs amassed by Jason Arnberger and Matthew Mott last season point to the fact that the maturity and confidence of its top three is as high as it has been for some time. In Laurie Harper, they also possess one of Australian domestic cricket's more reliable and unflappable players. And, notwithstanding the fact that he is as old as twenty-five now, in Brad Hodge, they have a brilliant strokemaker whose huge reserves of potential are still to be completely tapped. Victoria also boasts a bowling attack which, notwithstanding Queensland's undoubted class, is the equal of any at state level. The second highest wicket-taker in domestic first-class cricket last summer, the indefatigable Paul Reiffel will again lead the way. Not only an effective captain and a widely respected figure in Australian cricket, Reiffel remains a tremendously skilful bowler. Australia's most outstanding left arm fast bowling prospect, Matthew Inness, will also be expected to enjoy a successful summer after making big strides in his development in 1999-2000. The fact that Damien Fleming is not necessarily assured of a spot in the national team any longer in the wake of Jason Gillespie's return from injury could produce a very beneficial spin-off too. Factor into the mix as well the medium pace of Ian Harvey, whose growing maturity and impact as a player in both forms of the game has recently been confirmed by another outstanding county season at Gloucestershire. Having added the brilliant versatility of two-in-one star Colin Miller to their line-up, they have also sought in the off-season to eliminate perhaps their only noticeable weakness - namely, the lack of a consistent wicket-taking spinner. At one-day level, the Vics have enjoyed both significant highs and significant lows over recent years. They were crowned domestic one-day champions after a brilliant campaign in 1998-99, for instance, before fading from view to miss out on even so much as a semi-final berth in 1999-2000. As such, nominations of a finishing position are tough and only made more difficult still by the expansion of the schedule to include a new home and away style format this summer. It is probably fair to say, though, that their bowlers hold the key to their effort this time. The individual form of Harvey (in those matches for which he is available, at least) might well act as the best barometer of all. The key player: Matthew Elliott. Could conceivably be lost to the side this year in the event that he regains an opening spot with the national team. For as long as he is around, though, it is close to a cast-iron certainty that the classically stylish left hander will collect another huge bounty of runs. The up and comer: Michael Klinger. Hard to know how many games he will play this season but, if handed the opportunity, it is unlikely that he will fail to take advantage. The former national under-19 captain is an exciting strokeplayer who potentially has a considerable amount to offer the Bushrangers' middle order. The draw: To what extent it is a big problem is arguable after last summer's good run of success across the country, but one major question mark hangs over Victoria's draw this season. Eight of the last eleven matches of the season are played away from home - a daunting prospect for any side. That might well leave the Vics feeling some undue pressure if they can not capitalise on the notion that they host as many as seven matches in the period leading up to Christmas. Predicted Pura Cup finishing position: 1st Predicted Mercantile Mutual Cup finishing position: 3rd
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