Lewis dropped for Warriors clash

Victoria's push to reach the Pura Cup final has suffered two setbacks with Mick Lewis and Jon Moss missing the match against Western Australia starting at the MCG on Thursday. However, the return of Cameron White, who has been part of Australia's one-day campaign, is timely with two rounds remaining.

Lewis, who was playing for Australia a year ago, was dropped while Moss has a thigh strain as the Bushrangers, who are third, eye a finals berth. The fast bowler Peter Siddle is in line for his debut after replacing the out-of-favour Lewis. Siddle captured 5 for 38 in the 2nd XI game against South Australia last week to impress the selectors.

"Obviously there's little separating several teams on the table, so the points up for grabs in these remaining two games will be fought for extremely hard," White said. "I'm sure Justin Langer will be going for the maximum as well, so I think we'll see some declarations and exciting run chases." The fourth-placed Warriors are two points behind Victoria and four behind the joint leaders New South Wales and Tasmania.

Victoria squad Cameron White (capt), Adam Crosthwaite (wk), Shane Harwood, David Hussey, Nick Jewell, Michael Klinger, Andrew McDonald, Bryce McGain, Lloyd Mash, Darren Pattinson, Peter Siddle, Rob Quiney.

Western Australia squad Justin Langer (capt), Chris Rogers, David Bandy, Shaun Marsh, Marcus North, Adam Voges, Clint Heron, Luke Ronchi (wk), Aaron Heal, Steve Magoffin, Ben Edmondson, Danny McLauchlan.