Shane Warne was one of 14 players today selected in the Victorian Bushrangers squad set to play the NSW Blues this Sunday. The season opening Mercantile Mutual Cup game at North Sydney Oval, will see a near full strength Blues outfit take on the Bushrangers in a clash of the traditional rivals.

Chairman of selectors Shaun Graf said that Warne's recovery was ahead of schedule and a bonus for the team. " Initially we thought he may have been an outside chance for the upcoming Pura Cup match at Punt Road, however Shane's knee has responded extremely well to the surgery and subsequent physiotherapy. We will monitor his situation closely over the next two days. If there is any risk he will not play as it is along season ahead and our major concern is Shane's well-being."

Joining Warne in the squad will be Australian all-rounder Ian Harvey, returning after the short-lived tour to Kenya. The squad is as follows:

Paul Reiffel (c), Darren Berry (vc), Shawn Craig, Damien Fleming, Michael Klinger, Ian Harvey, Ian Hewett, Laurie Harper, Brad Hodge, Michael Lewis, Matthew Mott, Ben Oliver, Graeme Vimpani, Shane Warne.

© 2000 Victorian Cricket Association