Victorian prodigy Ollie Peake will sit out next week’s Sheffield Shield but Marcus Harris will return

Victorian young gun Ollie Peake will miss next week’s Sheffield Shield clash with Tasmania as part of a prolonged recovery from his head knock. Peake, 19, was hit on the helmet during the Vics’ mammoth win over Western Australia last week and was forced to retire hurt. The stylish left-hander did pass a concussion test and returned to the field but sustained very minor delayed symptoms in the days following. With Peake’s volume of cricket this summer – and a Shield final locked away – Victoria is prioritising the long-term health of its young star. Peake has played more than 30 matches of competitive cricket this summer across Australia A, Victoria, the Melbourne Renegades and the Under-19 World Cup. The absence of Peake will open the door for Marcus Harris to return from his back injury, provided he gets through this weekend unscathed. Harris has not played for Victoria since December and underwent back surgery but will be available for selection after batting for Premier Cricket side St Kilda this Saturday. “Marcus is good, he’s recovered pretty well from his surgery, he’s been batting (and) faced bowlers for the first time today,” Victorian coach Chris Rogers said. “He’s tracking really well, we’re hoping he’s going to play a big role for us for the rest of the season. “It looks like he’ll be able to bat for St Kilda on Saturday and then I expect him to be available for selection for next week.” Peake and Harris will be able to complete an effective swap next week in Hobart but Victoria’s selections for next month’s final will not be as simple. Dylan Brasher, who made a fighting half-century on debut against Queensland, felt that squeeze last week while Scott Boland’s return will spark a fight among the quicks. Mitch Perry sat out of the clash against WA at the WACA but he has slowly transformed into an important all-rounder in the Vics’ middle order. Sam Elliott has taken every chance that has come his way but will also be front and centre of the battle with Perry and Fergus O’Neill. “I think when you’re in our position, the thing you’re hoping is that you’re going to play good cricket for the rest of the season,” Rogers said. “You want to be robust, tough and competitive, so from that point of view, a lot of contributions across the team and I think we were pretty good about that last game. “I think (selection) is going to be a challenge, I have read a couple of players’ comments (in the media) and they understand the challenges that are ahead. “People have their eyes wide open … there are going to be some very disappointed people but as we keep saying, we can’t fit more than XI into an XI. “That’s just the reality.” Queensland – the only side to beat the Vics this year – is up against South Australia, New South Wales and Tasmania to reach the final starting on March 26.