Sheffield Shield resumes with squads confirmed across three matches
The Sheffield Shield returns this week with all teams naming their squads as the tournament enters a crucial phase, headlined by a clash between runaway leaders Victoria and second-placed Queensland.
Victoria vs Queensland
Victoria will be without several key players for their match against Queensland but still have the depth to field a competitive XI. Marcus Harris continues his recovery from back surgery, while Ollie Peake is away on Australia Under-19s duty. Young batter Dylan Brasher is in line to make his first-class debut.
Captain Will Sutherland is being managed, with Peter Handscomb set to lead the side. Scott Boland also misses the match but is expected to return for at least two rounds and a potential final should Victoria qualify, which appears likely.
Queensland, meanwhile, welcome back several of their biggest names. Marnus Labuschagne, Usman Khawaja and Michael Neser are all available, significantly strengthening the visitors. However, Matt Renshaw and Xavier Bartlett are unavailable due to their commitments at the T20 World Cup. Batter Jack Clayton has been named despite suffering a knee injury during a One-Day Cup match earlier this week.
Victoria squad:
Peter Handscomb (capt), Dylan Brasher, Xavier Crone, Harry Dixon, Sam Elliott, Sam Harper, Campbell Kellaway, Blake Macdonald, David Moody, Todd Murphy, Fergus O'Neill, Mitch Perry, Tom Rogers
Queensland squad:
Marnus Labuschagne (capt), Hugo Burdon, Jack Clayton, Lachlan Hearne, Hayden Kerr, Usman Khawaja, Michael Neser, Jimmy Peirson, Jem Ryan, Tom Straker, Mitchell Swepson, Hugh Weibgen, Tom Whitney
New South Wales vs South Australia
New South Wales will be led by Jack Edwards, who has been cleared to play despite returning from Pakistan just days ago. Opener Will Salzmann is expected to resume his role after recovering from a hamstring injury that ruled him out of the Big Bash League.
Uncapped fast bowler Peter Francis, who has domestic experience in Ireland, has been included in the squad but is likely to serve as 12th man. The Blues remain without several stars, with Steven Smith not expected to feature again this season, Mitchell Starc unavailable until the IPL, Nathan Lyon sidelined with a hamstring injury, and Sean Abbott away at the T20 World Cup.
Defending champions South Australia receive a boost with the return of Alex Carey and Brendan Doggett. However, Ben Manenti is on T20 World Cup duty with Italy, while Spencer Johnson, Wes Agar and Henry Thornton remain unavailable due to injury.
New South Wales squad:
Jack Edwards (capt), Joel Davies, Peter Francis, Ryan Hadley, Liam Hatcher, Sam Konstas, Kurtis Patterson, Josh Philippe, Will Salzmann, Tanveer Sangha, Lachlan Shaw, Charlie Stobo
South Australia squad:
Jordan Buckingham, Alex Carey, Brendan Doggett, Mackenzie Harvey, Henry Hunt, Hanno Jacobs, Jake Lehmann, Nathan McAndrew, Nathan McSweeney (capt), Lloyd Pope, Jason Sangha, Liam Scott
Western Australia
Western Australia will welcome back Jhye Richardson, who is set to play his first Sheffield Shield match in 15 months. The fast bowler has played just twice since October 2022 and is targeting a limited return during the final stages of the season following his Ashes comeback.
WA remain without Joel Paris due to a groin injury and Matt Kelly, while wicketkeeper Joel Curtis has recovered from a broken hand suffered during the BBL. Batter Teague Wyllie also returns to the squad, with Cooper Connolly unavailable due to World Cup commitments.
Western Australia squad:
Sam Whiteman (capt), Cameron Bancroft, Hilton Cartwright, Brody Couch, Joel Curtis, Sam Fanning, Cameron Gannon, Jayden Goodwin, Aaron Hardie, Liam Haskett, Jhye Richardson, Corey Rocchiccioli, Teague Wyllie