Short, a product of East Ballarat Cricket Club, is fresh from the Big Bash League season with the Melbourne Renegades, where he made 106 runs from three innings.

His top score was 62 in the team’s win over the Brisbane Heat.

“Matthew Short made his debut last November and gets another opportunity now to continue his breakout summer - we're very excited by his potential,” Victorian chairman of selectors Andrew Lynch said.

Peter Handscomb returns to captain the Victorian side ahead of Australia's Test tour of South Africa.

Victoria currently sits at the bottom of the Sheffield Shield table with four draws and a loss, but the tight standings leave the door open to climb back up and fight for a fourth-straight title.

The Vics will take on South Australia in the four-day encounter at the Adelaide Oval, starting Thursday.