Hazlewood, Starc Set for Sheffield Shield Return Ahead of Ashes Campaign

Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc are poised to feature in New South Wales’ Sheffield Shield fixture at the SCG next month, as both quicks look to fine-tune their red-ball preparation ahead of the 2025-26 Ashes series.

Both bowlers have been named in Australia’s ODI squad to face India in a three-match series later this month, marking the beginning of the home summer. However, with the Ashes opener against England starting in Perth on November 21, Hazlewood is expected to skip the final three T20Is against India in order to play in the Shield match against Victoria, beginning November 10.

While Starc has already retired from T20 internationals, Hazlewood is currently slated to feature in the first two T20Is on October 29 and 31 before shifting focus to red-ball cricket.

"We've definitely had chats about fitting in a Shield game," Hazlewood said during a Cricket Australia sponsorship event on Monday. "I do think it's important when there's time for it. You don't want to squeeze things in or rush for it."

"This year I'm going to miss a couple of T20s to do that. Which I certainly don't like doing — missing games for Australia. But in the long run it is about getting the best prep for the Ashes. You can't have everything and that's the trade-off at the moment."

The return of the two frontline quicks could see a star-studded NSW side take the field at the SCG. Veteran spinner Nathan Lyon is also expected to feature in three of the first four Shield matches and is likely to play in the same match against Victoria. Steve Smith is another big name in line to feature, while young batter Sam Konstas is expected to play — with his potential Test debut hinging on the national squad announcement after round three.

Pat Cummins, meanwhile, will miss the entire white-ball series against India as he continues to manage his back injury, with a focus on being fully fit for the opening Test.

Hazlewood, 34, said that while the ODI series against India would offer valuable match fitness, getting red-ball overs under his belt ahead of the Ashes was the priority.

"That's why I put my hand up for as many tours as I can," he said. "Even if I only play two out of three on a tour, it just means I am still touching base with those formats."

He also hinted at a possible full Ashes campaign, saying the schedule provides enough recovery time between Tests. “My game doesn't change too much,” Hazlewood added. “I've been around long enough to duck and dive in each format and chop and change.”

Australia’s selectors are expected to finalise the Test squad following the third round of the Sheffield Shield. The Ashes series begins in Perth on November 21, followed by Tests in Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane.