Liam Blackford set to make Sheffield Shield debut for Victoria at Gabba

Liam Blackford will bat in the middle order as a specialist batter for Victoria against Queensland at the Gabba. The 22-year-old missed his first season with the state after thoracic outlet syndrome forced three surgeries in six months.

Last summer he scored 1207 runs in second XI and first-grade cricket after averaging 10 the season before. Two half-centuries in his first eight innings for Victoria followed. He was initially suspected of having a tumour near his collarbone. Sam Harper returns from Test duty to keep wicket, while Matt Short is expected to miss a month after hip surgery. Blackford is in his fourth year on contract with Victoria.