Teams named for Cricket Shepparton International XI versus Invitational XI

And there will be fireworks.

SYCU skipper Sam Nash has organised the teams and headlines a star-studded Cricket Shepparton line up featuring players from six out of the competition’s 12 clubs.

Tatura’s Jayden and Blake Armstrong (566 runs combined) bring batting firepower to the local outfit, while Karramomus quick Lachie Keady (18 wickets) is likely to grind some sparks with ball in hand.

Cricket Shepparton has also enlisted the services of a Tatura export fresh off a Big Bash League appearance.

After debuting for Melbourne Renegades a fortnight ago, Carlton spinner Michael Archer returns to his old comp in elite form with 24 wickets to his name in Victorian Premier Cricket.

But the International XI has proven it’s no push over.

The imports had the wood over their Aussie counterparts in last year’s fledgling match, and three members reprise their roles in the form of SYCU pair Jake Callow and Seb Menzhausen as well as Kyabram tweaker Louis Sabbagh-Holt.

Callow went ballistic in the 61-run win by belting a game-high 48 off 28 balls, and he’ll have no shortage of help again to power his foreign companions to glory.

Pine Lodge’s Dylan Hardy (265 runs) heads in with a strong resume, while Mooroopna’s Cyrus Shafi and Waaia’s Brandon Diplock offer muscle with both the stick and Kookaburra.

Pre-game, both sides seem evenly keeled on paper.

But when the coin hits the turf and sixes are hit, stumps are skittled and screamers are taken, there will only be one winner.

Sunday’s Festival of Cricket begins at 9am with the SYCU-Nagambie women’s match, followed by Cricket Shepparton’s Invitational XI versus International XI at 1pm.