Sheffield Shield 2025-26 Season Preview: Ashes Selection Race Intensifies

Cameron Green is set to return to bowling, while all eyes will be on whether South Australia can successfully defend their title.

Scott Boland and Sam Konstas could face each other twice in the opening four rounds. • Getty Images

The new Sheffield Shield season kicks off on October 4, with South Australia entering as defending champions for the first time in 29 years. The initial phase of the season holds significant importance, as Australia`s selectors have indicated that Shield performances will be crucial for Ashes squad places, particularly for an opening batsman spot and given the fitness concerns surrounding Pat Cummins. Here’s a detailed look at how each squad is shaping up.

CA = Cricket Australia contract | R = Rookie contract

New South Wales

Squad

• Sean Abbott
• Charlie Anderson (R)
• Pat Cummins (CA)
• Joel Davies
• Oliver Davies
• Ben Dwarshuis
• Jack Edwards
• Matt Gilkes
• Ryan Hadley
• Liam Hatcher
• Josh Hazlewood (CA)
• Ryan Hicks (R)
• Riley Kingsell (R)
• Sam Konstas (CA)
• Nathan Lyon (CA)
• Nic Maddinson
• Blake Nikitaras
• Jack Nisbet
• Kurtis Patterson
• Josh Philippe
• William Salzmann
• Tanveer Sangha
• Jake Scott (R)
• Lachlan Shaw
• Steven Smith (CA)
• Mitchell Starc (CA)
• Charlie Stobo
• Chris Tremain
• Adam Zampa (CA)

In

• Charlie Stobo (WA)
• Riley Kingsell
• Jake Scott

Out

• Jackson Bird (Tasmania)
• Chris Green
• Ryan Hackney
• Moises Henriques
• Daniel Hughes
• Hayden Kerr (Queensland)

How they shape up

New South Wales was in contention for the final until the last round but ultimately finished with one fewer win than the previous season. The departure of Jackson Bird to Tasmania leaves a significant gap in their pace attack, especially after his impressive haul of 34 wickets at an average of 17.20. They will rely on Charlie Stobo to help fill this void and hope for continued growth from Liam Hatcher, Jack Nisbet, and Ryan Hadley.

Kurtis Patterson’s strong comeback was a highlight of the season, leading the run-scorers, closely followed by Sam Konstas, who also made a dramatic Test debut. However, these were the only two batsmen to average above 34 (excluding Ben Dwarshuis in a single outing). Nic Maddinson`s return proved underwhelming, averaging just 17.80, so more will be expected from him. Similarly, Josh Philippe, whose strong start faded last season, and Ollie Davies, the only player to feature in all 10 games, will be under pressure to deliver greater returns.

Player to watch

If he can maintain a strong season, 25-year-old Jack Edwards, who captains NSW in both formats, will be a strong contender for international selection. He is slated to represent Australia A in both formats against India A, following a season where he averaged 33.46 with the bat and took 29 wickets at 24.03 – an ideal all-rounder’s performance. Elevating his batting average closer to 40 would significantly bolster his case. He is also an exceptional slip fielder.

Australia impact

Sam Konstas will be central to the early-season “bat-off” for an Ashes opening spot, and the outcome will determine his availability for NSW before the BBL. Nathan Lyon is expected to play at least three Shield matches before the Ashes, even captaining the opening game, and should be available again in February given his absence from Australia’s T20 plans. Steven Smith`s pre-Ashes availability is yet to be confirmed, but not being part of Australia`s white-ball squads could mean more Shield appearances. Pat Cummins’ back injury makes a rare Shield appearance unlikely, but Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood might feature in a game before facing England. Sean Abbott’s schedule will be complex due to white-ball commitments and his potential role as an Ashes reserve. Edwards, Tanveer Sangha, and Lachlan Shaw will miss the first round due to Australia A duties in India.

Queensland

Squad

• Lachy Aitken (R)
• Tom Balkin (R)
• Xavier Bartlett (CA)
• Max Bryant
• Hugo Burdon
• Jack Clayton
• Lachlan Hearne
• Usman Khawaja (CA)
• Marnus Labuschagne (CA)
• Angus Lovell
• Michael Neser
• Jimmy Peirson
• Jem Ryan (R)
• Matthew Renshaw
• Gurinder Sandhu
• Jack Sinfield
• Mark Steketee
• Tom Straker
• Mitch Swepson
• Callum Vidler
• Hugh Weibgen
• Tom Whitney
• Jack Wildermuth

In

• Tom Balkin
• Zanden Jeh
• Hayden Kerr (NSW)

Out

• Liam Guthrie
• Ben McDermott
• Bryce Street
• Connor Sully

How they shape up

Queensland narrowly reached the final amidst a tight table. Despite bowling South Australia out for 95 in their first innings, and then reducing them to 28 for 3 while chasing 270, they ultimately finished as runners-up. This was an improvement on the previous season`s last-place finish, albeit with only one additional victory.

The squad has seen minimal changes, with Ben McDermott’s request to return to Tasmania (where he doesn`t hold a contract) being the most significant movement. Jack Clayton and Jimmy Peirson were their leading batsmen last season, each scoring over 600 runs, while Usman Khawaja was productive when available, though he struggled in the final. Matt Renshaw had a mixed season, scoring two centuries but averaging only 29.17.

The loss of the promising Callum Vidler to a stress fracture is an early-season setback. However, Tom Whitney and Tom Straker offer two more promising young fast bowlers, though Whitney is currently managing an injury. Ideally, leg-spinner Mitchell Swepson will aim to improve on his previous season’s wicket average of 49.26.

Player to watch

In the early part of the season, much attention will be on Marnus Labuschagne and his bid to reclaim a Test spot for the Ashes. While he’s a contender to open against England, he’s expected to continue batting at No. 3 for Queensland, which could benefit from a highly motivated player. His last Shield century was in October 2022, but due to his international schedule, this only accounts for nine matches.

Australia impact

Ahead of Ashes selection, Labuschagne might miss a round due to the ODI series against India. Khawaja will play a game or two, but the trajectory of his career after last season’s tensions with the state remains uncertain. Xavier Bartlett will transition from Australia A duties to the T20I tour of New Zealand and remain in the white-ball setup. Michael Neser could be considered if the Test side needs reinforcements. Renshaw has built a strong case for Australia’s one-day squad but appears further down the list for Test cricket. Straker and Lachlan Hearne (a late call-up) will miss the first Shield round due to Australia A’s 50-over commitments.

South Australia

Squad

• Wes Agar
• Jordan Buckingham
• Aidan Cahill (R)
• Alex Carey (CA)
• Brendan Doggett
• Daniel Drew
• Jake Fraser-McGurk
• Mackenzie Harvey
• Travis Head (CA)
• Douwtjie Hoogenboezem (R)
• Henry Hunt
• Hanno Jacobs
• Spencer Johnson
• Thomas Kelly
• Jake Lehmann
• Ben Manenti
• Harry Matthias (R)
• Nathan McAndrew
• Conor McInerney
• Nathan McSweeney
• Harry Nielsen
• Lloyd Pope
• Jason Sangha
• Liam Scott
• Campbell Thompson (R)
• Henry Thornton

In

• Hanno Jacobs (NSW)
• Douwtjie Hoogenboezem

Out

• Harry Conway
• Kyle Brazell

How they shape up

After their championship win, head coach Ryan Harris`s mandate is simple: repeat the success. South Australia aims to build on its winning momentum. A notable aspect of their title season was their dominance in the regular season, securing six wins from 10 matches and finishing 16 points clear of second place.

They have maintained a very stable squad, with Hanno Jacobs adding further depth to their pace bowling options. Three batsmen surpassed 700 runs in the 2024-25 season, with Alex Carey achieving this in just five matches and Jason Sangha in six. Opener Henry Hunt also contributed three centuries, though his overall average was 31. Their pace attack, led by Nathan McAndrew and Brendan Doggett, is formidable, although Doggett will miss the opening match due to a hamstring niggle.

Player to watch

Jason Sangha credited South Australia with revitalizing his career after a strong run that culminated in him hitting the winning runs in the final. This winter, he scored a career-best double century for Australia A against Sri Lanka A. While still some way down the national pecking order, a continuation of his high-volume run-scoring early in the season will certainly draw attention. At 26, he still has ample time to make his mark.

Australia impact

Alex Carey is expected to play at least a couple of Shield matches before the Ashes, but Travis Head’s availability will be limited by white-ball international duties. Jake Fraser-McGurk has fallen down Australia’s pecking order, and there’s a desire for him to gain red-ball cricket exposure, but he’ll need to secure a spot in the XI. He will be with the Australia A side in India during the opening round. Doggett might be part of the Test squad once the Ashes begin, so his workload will likely be managed. If Nathan McSweeney or Sangha deliver strong early-season performances, they could enter selector’s calculations. Liam Scott will miss the first round due to Australia A duties in India.

Tasmania

Squad

• Marcus Bean
• Gabe Bell
• Jackson Bird
• Iain Carlisle
• Nick Davis (R)
• Jake Doran
• Kieran Elliott
• Nathan Ellis (CA)
• Bradley Hope
• Matt Kuhnemann (CA)
• Caleb Jewell
• Raf MacMillan (R)
• Riley Meredith
• Lawrence Neil-Smith
• Aidan O`Connor (R)
• Mitch Owen
• Will Prestwidge
• Nivethan Radhakrishnan
• Jordan Silk
• Billy Stanlake
• Charlie Wakim
• Tim Ward
• Jake Weatherald
• Beau Webster (CA)
• Mac Wright

In

• Marcus Bean
• Jackson Bird (NSW)

Out

• Jarrod Freeman

How they shape up

Tasmania was just a two-run loss away from reaching a second consecutive Shield final last season. They`ve bolstered their squad in the off-season with the addition of Jackson Bird, who is only 34 wickets shy of becoming the second-highest wicket-taker in Shield history. Their attack looks potent, with Gabe Bell, Kieran Elliott, Riley Meredith, and Billy Stanlake providing numerous options for rotation and management throughout the season, alongside Test spinner Matt Kuhnemann.

The batting lineup is also deep, with Jake Weatherald, Tim Ward, Caleb Jewell, Jordan Silk, and wicketkeeper Jake Doran forming the core. Beau Webster will be available around his Test duties, and Mitch Owen around his Australia white-ball commitments. Brad Hope offers a capable backup all-rounder. Tasmania will be formidable in all conditions, boasting excellent depth that includes experienced players like Charlie Wakim and Mac Wright, as well as promising youngsters such as Nivethan Radhakrishnan, Aidan O’Connor, Raf MacMillan, and Marcus Bean.

Player to watch

Jake Weatherald will be one of the most closely observed players nationally at the start of the Sheffield Shield season, as he vies for a Test debut in the Ashes. Theoretically, he has nothing left to prove after last season and his Australia A performances over winter. However, last season was an anomaly compared to his career record, and strong early-season performances would dispel any doubts about his suitability to open the batting for Australia in Perth.

Australia impact

Tasmania will miss Owen and Kuhnemann in the opening round due to Australia’s brief T20I tour of New Zealand. Owen is likely to miss the first four rounds altogether due to subsequent series against India. Nathan Ellis’ red-ball availability will be limited, and he’s unlikely to be called upon for Tests. Webster is expected to be available for the first four rounds but might be rested depending on his workload; he will then miss rounds five and six if selected for the Test squad, returning for the second half of the summer. The same applies to Weatherald if he earns an Ashes call-up, which remains an unknown at the season’s start.

Victoria

Squad

• Austin Anlezark (R)
• Liam Blackford
• Scott Boland (CA)
• Dylan Brasher
• Ashley Chandrasinghe
• Xavier Crone
• Harry Dixon
• Sam Elliott
• Peter Handscomb
• Sam Harper
• Marcus Harris
• Campbell Kellaway
• Jai Lemire
• Blake Macdonald
• Glenn Maxwell (CA)
• Cam McClure
• David Moody
• Todd Murphy
• Fergus O`Neill
• Oliver Peake (R)
• Tyler Pearson (R)
• Mitch Perry
• Tom Rogers
• Matt Short (CA)
• Callum Stow (R)
• Will Sutherland
• Doug Warren

In

• Blake Macdonald
• David Moody
• Oliver Peake
• Callum Stow

Out

• Peter Siddle (retired)
• Will Pucovski (retired)
• Jon Merlo
• Josh Brown
• Reiley Mark

How they shape up

Victoria`s strongest XI will once again be formidable, despite narrowly missing the final last year. However, their depth will be tested, especially in bowling, given Scott Boland’s limited availability and the retirement of Peter Siddle, who was an invaluable replacement for Boland last season. Their batting lineup is an excellent blend of youth and experience, featuring three of the country’s most exciting young top-order prospects – Campbell Kellaway, Harry Dixon, and Oliver Peake – who will integrate around the seasoned Marcus Harris and Peter Handscomb. Dixon is slated to open, though he’ll miss round one due to Australia A duties. If this occurs, Harris might shift to No. 3, despite being an Ashes opening candidate.

Matt Short could add dynamism when not on Australia white-ball duties. The first-choice attack of Boland, Fergus O’Neill, Will Sutherland, and Todd Murphy appears as strong as any in the competition when fully fit and available. Players like Cam McClure, Xavier Crone, and Sam Elliott will need to step up during Boland’s absences. Victoria also needs a big season from wicketkeeper Sam Harper, as their lower-order batting has been inconsistent in recent years.

Player to watch

Campbell Kellaway made significant strides in the latter half of last season, scoring centuries against Queensland at the Gabba and Western Australia at the WACA (an unbeaten 165 that secured victory in the final round). He also registered scores of 80, 79, and 77 in two matches against eventual Shield winners South Australia, and 55 against a challenging NSW attack featuring Mitchell Starc, Sean Abbott, Jackson Bird, and Nathan Lyon on a tricky MCG pitch. These performances earned him a spot in the Australia A squad, where he recently scored 88 against India A. While currently lower on the list of Test candidates, a strong start to the summer could rapidly elevate his standing.

Australia impact

Sutherland, Dixon, and Elliott will all miss the opening Shield round due to Australia A duties in India. However, Boland is set to play the first match against South Australia. His subsequent appearances before the first Test remain uncertain, though there’s hope he features in at least one more match. He should be fully available for the second half of the season. Short’s availability is another unknown; he could be available for rounds four to six, but this may depend on his recovery after three consecutive white-ball series against New Zealand and India. He is also likely to be part of Australia’s T20 World Cup squad, which could see him miss most of the second half of the season.

Western Australia

Squad

• Cameron Bancroft
• Mahli Beardman
• Simon Budge (R)
• Hilton Cartwright
• Cooper Connolly
• Brody Couch
• Keaton Critchell
• Joel Curtis
• Albert Esterhuysen (R)
• Sam Fanning
• Cameron Gannon
• Cameron Green (CA)
• Jayden Goodwin
• Aaron Hardie
• Liam Haskett
• Baxter Holt
• Josh Inglis (CA)
• Bryce Jackson
• Matthew Kelly
• Mitch Marsh (CA)
• Lance Morris (CA)
• Joel Paris
• Jordan Quiggin (R)
• Jhye Richardson (CA)
• Corey Rocchiccioli
• Ashton Turner
• Corey Wasley (R)
• Sam Whiteman
• Teague Wyllie

In

• Mahli Beardman
• Joel Curtis
• Simon Budge
• Albert Esterhuysen
• Jordan Quiggin

Out

• Hamish McKenzie
• D`Arcy Short
• Charlie Stobo (NSW)
• Sam Greer
• Josh Vernon

How they shape up

Just twelve months ago, Western Australia was aiming for a historic fourth consecutive title. This season, they begin as the defending wooden spooners, though they still nearly made the Shield final despite finishing sixth in a closely contested table. They remain rich in talent, with their best XI being of international quality. The key challenge will be managing the frequent departures and arrivals of their Australia and Australia A representatives while maintaining team continuity.

Their batting lineup will be strong, with Cameron Bancroft and Sam Whiteman returning fully fit. Hilton Cartwright provides a solid foundation in the middle order, while young wicketkeeper Joel Curtis has started the season exceptionally well in the Dean Jones Trophy. The inclusion of Cameron Green for up to three of the first four games further strengthens an imposing batting order. The bowling attack will be well-led by Joel Paris, Cameron Gannon, and Corey Rocchiccioli, and the return of Matt Kelly from injury is a welcome boost. However, depth becomes an issue further down, with Lance Morris out for the entire year, Jhye Richardson recovering slowly, and promising youngster Mahli Beardman unlikely to play any red-ball cricket in the first half of the season due to stress fractures.

Player to watch

Cameron Bancroft is somewhat the forgotten man in the race for an Ashes opening spot. At the start of last season, he was a favourite to fill the vacancy against India but endured a difficult patch of form early in the summer. He’s coming off a productive winter for Gloucestershire in all formats and returned early from England for a brief rest before preparing for the new summer. His technique remains consistent, and he knows how to score big runs in Shield cricket; any player performing well early in the season will be considered for the Ashes.

Australia impact

Few states face as many logistical challenges as WA. Cameron Green’s early-season availability has fluctuated, but he could feature in Shield rounds one, three, and four for WA, potentially bowling under restrictions in some of these. However, he might be absent for round two and possibly round three due to ODI duties. Josh Inglis is currently injured, but once fit, he’s likely to be away for most of the summer on Australia duty. Mitch Marsh is notionally available for rounds four, five, and six after Australia’s white-ball series against India, but it’s uncertain if he’ll play any red-ball cricket this summer. Cooper Connolly will miss the first round due to Australia A duties but should be available for round two unless called up for ODI cricket. Aaron Hardie is recovering from a shoulder injury but could play a significant amount for WA if he isn`t selected for the India white-ball series.