Glenn Maxwell and Scott Boland Set to Return for Victoria in Historic One-Day Cup Clash
Glenn Maxwell and Scott Boland are set to return to Victoria for Friday’s One-Day Cup clash against New South Wales at Junction Oval. Maxwell will make his first appearance for Victoria since September 2025, while Boland returns for his first domestic match of the season. The match will also become the first played under lights at the historic Melbourne venue
Victoria will welcome Australian stars Glenn Maxwell and Scott Boland back into their squad for Friday’s One-Day Cup clash against New South Wales at Junction Oval. Their return adds significant international experience to a Victorian side preparing for a historic night of domestic cricket in Melbourne.
Maxwell Returns to Victorian Cricket
Maxwell is set to make his first appearance for Victoria since September 19, 2025. The explosive all-rounder has opted against taking a Victorian contract for the 2026-27 season but remains available to represent the state during the domestic campaign.
His inclusion comes just days after Maxwell featured in the ETPL final and provides Victoria with another experienced option as they continue their One-Day Cup campaign.
Maxwell's return is particularly notable given his previous impact in the competition. Last season, he produced a spectacular century against Queensland, scoring 107 from 82 balls with seven sixes during his return to Victorian colours.
Boland Returns for His First Match of the Season
Scott Boland will also return to the Victorian side after missing the opening match of the domestic season. The Test fast bowler is expected to strengthen an attack that already has several promising pace options.
Boland's experience at international level gives Victoria an additional weapon as they prepare to face a strong New South Wales batting line-up.
Victoria Begin Campaign With Dramatic Win
Victoria head into the clash after completing one of the most remarkable successful chases of the early One-Day Cup season. Chasing 336 against Queensland in Brisbane, Victoria recovered from a difficult position to reach 339 for 7 with one ball remaining.
Captain Will Sutherland and wicketkeeper-batter Liam Blackford were the architects of the chase. Sutherland struck a century, while Blackford produced an unbeaten 149 to guide Victoria over the line.
The result gave Victoria a three-wicket victory and provided considerable momentum heading into their first home match of the campaign.
Blackford and Sutherland Lead the Fightback
Victoria appeared to be under serious pressure during the chase, but Sutherland and Blackford changed the course of the match with a huge partnership. Blackford's unbeaten 149 was particularly significant as the young wicketkeeper produced a composed yet aggressive innings under pressure.
Sutherland's contribution at the other end ensured Victoria remained within reach of the target before the lower order completed the chase in dramatic fashion.
Historic Night at Junction Oval
The match against New South Wales will create another landmark moment for Victorian cricket. It will be the first match played under lights at Junction Oval, giving the historic venue its first floodlit fixture.
The game is scheduled for Friday, September 25, with the first ball at 2pm AEST. The Grand Final Eve public holiday is expected to add to the occasion as Victoria hosts its traditional rivals in the opening home appearance of the 2026-27 domestic season.
Maxwell and Boland Add Experience
Victoria head coach Chris Rogers welcomed the return of both Maxwell and Boland, highlighting the experience and quality they bring to a developing squad.
Their inclusion comes alongside a group that contains several players who have already contributed strongly during the opening stages of the competition. Victoria will hope the combination of experienced international players and emerging domestic talent can deliver another strong performance.
New South Wales Provide the Next Challenge
New South Wales enter the contest after their own impressive opening-round result. They defeated Queensland by four wickets in Brisbane, successfully chasing 359 with six wickets in hand.
That result sets up an intriguing contest between two sides that began the tournament with victories. Victoria will now look to protect their unbeaten start while New South Wales will aim to continue their momentum.
A Major Occasion for Victorian Cricket
The return of Maxwell and Boland, combined with the first floodlit match at Junction Oval, makes the fixture an important occasion for Victorian cricket. The hosts will also be encouraged by the resilience shown in their opening victory.
With both teams arriving after successful opening matches, Friday's clash promises to be an important early test in the 2026-27 One-Day Cup campaign.