Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne are named in Queensland’s Sheffield Shield squad, while Steven Smith, Pat Cummins, and Mitchell Starc are set to be rested for New South Wales.
BollywoodFever: Australian Test batters Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne have been named in Queensland’s 13-man squad for the opening round of the Sheffield Shield season, which kicks off on Tuesday. However, star batter Steven Smith is set to be rested for New South Wales, as his batting position in the Test side remains undetermined.
Despite no international commitments until November, several of Australia’s Test regulars, including Khawaja and Labuschagne, will represent their states in the first round of the Shield. Meanwhile, others, such as Smith, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood, are expected to sit out New South Wales’ opener against South Australia. They are likely to return for the second round against Victoria at the MCG, alongside Scott Boland, who is also building up his bowling loads after dealing with foot and knee issues.
Australia’s injury concerns continue to grow, with Matthew Short (adductor) and Sean Abbott (hamstring) sidelined for the opening round following injuries sustained during the limited-overs tour of the UK. Cameron Green is also unavailable for Western Australia due to a back injury, while experienced seamer Joel Paris will miss the opening round with a calf issue.
Western Australia faces further challenges in balancing their squad, as quicks Lance Morris and Jhye Richardson are also out, with Richardson unlikely to return to Shield cricket until after the BBL.
Nathan Lyon is expected to play for New South Wales, while Travis Head and Alex Carey are set to feature for South Australia, although Head’s involvement may be brief due to the impending birth of his second child.
The early stages of the Shield season are complicated by Australia’s packed schedule, including upcoming A matches against India and the ODI and T20I series against Pakistan. Injuries to fringe players such as Ben Dwarshuis, Xavier Bartlett, Nathan Ellis, Spencer Johnson, and Riley Meredith have further impacted state team selections.
Glenn Maxwell is likely to miss the opening round for Victoria but may return for the second against New South Wales, with the Test tour of Sri Lanka approaching. Peter Handscomb will take over as Victoria captain in the absence of Will Sutherland, who is managing a back issue.
Queensland squad vs WA: Marnus Labuschagne (c), Jack Clayton, Liam Guthrie, Lachlan Hearne, Usman Khawaja, Ben McDermott, Michael Neser, Jimmy Peirson, Matthew Renshaw, Mark Steketee, Tom Straker, Mitchell Swepson, Jack Wildermuth
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