Inness seeks commitment from Victoria

Mathew Inness, the left-arm pace bowler, has expressed his desire to stay in Victoria, and asked for a commitment from his home association. His concerns about playing for the Bushrangers were intensified when there was news of Victoria considering Gerard Denton, the Tasmanian seamer, for next season.

Ever since he was squeezed out of the playing XI before Victoria's triumph in the Pura Cup final, more than one state has shown an interest in signing up Inness. However, Inness said that he preferred to stay in Victoria and is currently having discussions with the board about his contract.

Inness had earlier expressed his disappointment about Denton being considered a possible replacement. "I'll talk to them [the selectors] about it and see how I fit into their plans," he said. "I suppose if I'm not satisfied with where I fit in, that's when I'll have to think about my future, but if I'm satisfied with what they say, then there shouldn't be any problem."

Shaun Graf, the operations manager of cricket in Victoria, confirmed that Denton had "a very good chance" of accepting an offer from them. "He [Denton] hasn't signed a contract yet, but we're certainly confident he's going to leave Tasmania and come across to Victoria."

However, Graf said that Denton's signing would not pose a threat to Inness's place in the side. "If another bowler does come from interstate, it doesn't necessarily mean he's definitely going to play. Mathew would still be a required player, he's been a great player for us and he knows that. We certainly wouldn't be looking to release Mathew out of a contract or anything."