Young Geelong all-rounder Ben Oliver, was today selected in the Bushrangers squad of thirteen to play the NSW Blues in Wednesday's Pura Cup match at Punt Road. Joining Oliver in the squad is Ian Harvey, less than a week after undergoing minor arthroscopic surgery to his shoulder.

Chairman of selectors, Shaun Graf, said that Harvey had been selected as a batsman only and would have to receive a medical clearance tonight to play. "He was one of our best performed batsmen last season, so even if he's fit to play as a batsman only, we'll play him."

Oliver was one of the Bushrangers shining lights in an otherwise disappointing game against the Blues in last Sunday's Mercantile Mutual Cup match. "We believe he has a bright future and don't see any point in hiding him. The match will be a great experience for Ben and we expect he'll give another good account of himself."

The team is as follows:

Paul Reiffel (c), Darren Berry (vc), Jason Arnberger, Shawn Craig, Damien Fleming, Ian Harvey, Brad Hodge, Mathew Inness, Colin Miller, Matthew Mott, Ben Oliver, Graeme Vimpani, Shane Warne.

The NSW team is: Stephen Waugh (c), Michael Slater, Mark Waugh, Michael Bevan, Corey Richards, Shane Lee, Brad Haddin, Don Nash, Brett Lee, Glenn McGrath, Stuart MacGill, Jamie Stewart.

© 2000 Victorian Cricket Association