Victoria hit by Denton appendicitis

Gerard Denton's shock withdrawal with appendicitis has upset Victoria's preparations for the Pura Cup final against Queensland starting on Friday. Denton had surgery in Melbourne last night after complaining of stomach pain during a training session yesterday.

While his team-mates flew to Brisbane for the final, Denton went for scans and a Victoria spokesman said he would remain in hospital for a couple of days. Allan Wise has stepped in as a replacement and Greg Shipperd, the coach, said Denton had been an integral part of the squad and would be missed.

"He's swung the ball, taken wickets consistently, and been a popular member of the team," Shipperd said. "We wish him a swift recovery, but know that Wise will be a handy replacement should he get the nod in the final XI." Denton has completed his most successful Pura Cup season after finishing with 33 wickets at 28.15 while Wise has 27 victims at 27.55 in seven games.

Victoria have also been forced to deny Mick Lewis is considering a move to Western Australia after reports he talked with the state's officials about playing at the WACA next summer. "There's been nothing come to us through the correct channels in relation to asking permission that they're going to speak to Mick, so it's pure fabrication," Shaun Graf, the Victoria spokesman, told AAP. "Mick Lewis is a Victorian, he wants to finish his career in Victoria, and that's where he'll stay."

Victoria Jason Arnberger, Lloyd Mash, Brad Hodge, Nick Jewell, David Hussey, Cameron White (capt), Jon Moss, Nathan Pilon (wk), Adam Crosthwaite (wk), Dirk Nannes, Mick Lewis, Shane Harwood, Allan Wise.

Queensland Jimmy Maher (capt), Lachlan Stevens, Martin Love, Clinton Perren, Shane Watson, James Hopes, Brendan Nash, Chris Hartley (wk), Andy Bichel, Ashley Noffke, Daniel Doran, Mitchell Johnson.