Heath Pyke in action for the Red Caps.

HEATH Pyke will be hoping it is third time lucky when he once again captains Victoria in next year's national country cricket titles in Bendigo.

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The Wendouree veteran, who was named as Victorian Country Cricket League captain for the third year in a row on Tuesday, will be out to see Victoria Country return to the form it showed in his first year at the helm.

The Big V finished runner-up to New South Wales in 2013 but finished at the bottom of the table in January with just one win from five matches.

Pyke, who has been in his own rich vein of form for the Red Caps in Ballarat Cricket Association competition, will aspire to steer Victoria back towards the top of the ladder with a more experienced side this year.

He said it was an honour to again be named as captain after the final trials for the squad were held on Sunday.

Like last year, he is the only Ballarat player in the extended squad of 15, of which just 13 will be taken on the trip.

"It's a feather in your cap but definitely not something you set out to do at the start of the season or anything like that," Pyke said.

"It's a nice little reward I suppose."

Pyke started the BCA season with a massive ton this year, making 156 against Ballarat-Redan in the first round of the season.

He is currently averaging 80.3 in the club firsts competition and 37.5 in the Twenty20 competition.

It is likely he will also take the gloves as wicketkeeper for Victoria, in what will be his ninth country championships competition.

"It's a nice side to be in control of because there is so much experience throughout it," Pyke said.

"The average age is probably about the same as last year but I feel it has a lot more experience."

VICTORIAN SQUAD

Heath Pyke (captain, Wendouree)

Ben Boyd (vice-captain, Warrnambool)