The Victorian Bushrangers today announced a strong team to contest the season's opening ING Cup match against the NSW Blues at Bankstown Oval on Sunday. Australian stars, Shane Warne, Damien Fleming and Ian Harvey are welcome inclusions for the Bushrangers, in a match which should be one of the highlights of the domestic season.

New leader of the Bushrangers ING Cup side, Matthew Elliott said he was looking forward to the match and season ahead. "Obviously it's been an unusual build up due to the resignation of John Scholes, but he leaves us in great shape and we're really keen to open our account with a win this Sunday. The side is well balanced with plenty of options, and I think we're embarking on what should be an exciting season for the Bushrangers in the ING Cup".

The Bushrangers have also announced the team for next week's ACB Cup match against South Australia in Adelaide. Leading the side is Bushrangers regular Matthew Mott.

BUSHRANGERS v NSW BLUES: Sunday, October 7, 2001 at Bankstown

Matthew Elliott (c), Jason Arnberger, Darren Berry, Damien Fleming, Ian Harvey, Ian Hewett, Brad Hodge, Michael Klinger, Michael Lewis, Jonathan Moss, Ben Oliver, Shane Warne

VICTORIA v SOUTH AUSTRALIA: October 8-11, 2001 at Adelaide Oval (no. 2)

Matthew Mott (c), Rob Bartlett, Will Carr, Shawn Craig, Simon Dart, John Davison, Peter Harper, Shane Harwood, Nick Jewell, Andrew Kent, Andrew McDonald, Peter Roach

© 2001 Victorian Cricket Association