Harvey finally re-signs with Victoria

Ian Harvey, who considered an interstate switch before suggesting a novel move to South Africa, has finally agreed a deal with Victoria for 2005-06. Currently playing for Yorkshire, Harvey had delayed signing in a push for better conditions, and the drawn-out negotiations added to the saga of a handful of key players wanting to leave the state.

Harvey, the former one-day international allrounder, said from England that he was optimistic about his return to Victoria. "I am looking forward to a successful season with the Bushrangers," he said.

Greg Shipperd, the coach, was also pleased to retain Harvey alongside Brad Hodge and Jonathan Moss, who also considered leaving the set-up while Matthew Elliott and Mathew Inness departed. "Harvey offers the Bushrangers an enormous amount of experience," he said, "and with a developing squad it is important we maintain players of this calibre in our group."