Victoria begin their Sheffield Shield campaign against Western Australia at the MCG this week with a clutch of players aiming to impress national selectors.

Incumbent Test players Peter Siddle and Chris Rogers headline an experienced side, including Ashes aspirants Fawad Ahmed, Rob Quiney and new Bushrangers captain Matthew Wade.

With opposite number Shaun Marsh leading the Warriors for the first time, the match shapes as a test of leadership.

“Despite the disappointing end to our one-day campaign, we are glad to see all our batsmen and bowlers in form,” Victorian chairman of selectors Andrew Lynch said.

The Shield schedule features six matches before Christmas, a punishing 24 days of cricket in a seven-week window, including three matches before Australia’s first Ashes Test beginning on November 21 in Brisbane.

“We have a plan in place to share the load, especially with the fast bowlers,” Lynch said.

Included in the WA squad to take on the Victorians, is young spinner Ashton Agar, former Test batsman Marcus North and debutant Will Bosisto.

Bosisto captained Australia at last year’s Under 19 World Cup, including 87 not out in the final lost to India.

In other matches beginning Wednesday, champions Tasmania begin their defence against New South Wales, while South Australia host Queensland.

Squads

Victoria: Matthew Wade (capt), Fawad Ahmed, Scott Boland, Dan Christian, Peter Handscomb, John Hastings, Jon Holland, David Hussey, Rob Quiney, Chris Rogers, Peter Siddle, Cameron White (12th man to be named).

Western Australia: Shaun Marsh (capt), Ashton Agar, Cameron Bancroft, Jason Behrendorff, Will Bosisto, Hilton Cartwright, Michael Hogan, Jaron Morgan, Marcus North, Nathan Rimmington, John Rogers, Sam Whiteman (12th man to be named).