Victorian wicketkeeper Darren Berry has passed a fitness test and been cleared to play in this week's Pura Cup Final against Queensland in Brisbane.

Berry injured his shoulder two weeks ago in Victoria's match against New South Wales in Sydney and has been waging a bid to return to full fitness since. He withdrew from the Bushrangers' last preliminary round match - against Western Australia in Melbourne - as part of his effort to recuperate ahead of the start of the competition decider.

Replacement 'keeper Peter Roach was originally named in a thirteen man squad for the Final as cover for Berry. But the thirty-one year old Berry, who has played more than one hundred first-class matches, survived today's forty minute session unscathed.

Of the current Victorian squad, only Berry and captain Paul Reiffel remain from the side which captured the state's last domestic first-class title in 1990-91. He is a crucial cog in the Bushrangers' team and his return to fitness represents a major boost for the visitors' chances.

The Pura Cup Final begins at the 'Gabba on Friday.

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