Shield starts today
10am QLD v TAS at Alan Border field
1030am SA v VIC at Adelaide Oval
1230pm WA v NSW at the WACA
Captain Jack Edwards
Coach Greg Shipperd
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)
CA = Cricket Australia contract | R = Rookie contract
In Charlie Stobo (WA), Riley Kingsell, Jake Scott
Out Jackson Bird (Tasmania), Chris Green, Ryan Hackney, Moises Henriques, Daniel Hughes, Hayden Kerr (Queensland)
Last season Fourth
How they shape up
They were in the mix for the final into the last round but ultimately finished with one win fewer than the previous season. The loss of Jackson Bird to Tasmania leaves a significant hole in the pace attack after he claimed 34 wickets at 17.20. They will hope Charlie Stobo can help fill the breach and will look to Liam Hatcher, Jack Nisbet and Ryan Hadley to grow.
Kurtis Patterson's resurgence was one of the stories of the season and he led the run-scorer followed by
Sam Konstas either side of his dramatic Test debut. However, they were the only two batters to average more than 34 (aside from Ben Dwarshuis in one outing) while the return of Nic Maddinson fell flat as he averaged 17.80 so more will be expected of him alongside greater returns from Josh Philippe - whose positive start faded last season - and Ollie Davies, the only player to appear in all 10 games.
Player to watch
If he can put together a strong season, 25-year-old
Jack Edwards, who is the NSW captain in both formats, will be pushing for an international call-up. He will feature for Australia A in both formats against India A having averaged 33.46 with the bat and taking 29 wickets 24.03 with the ball last season - certainly the right way round for an allrounder. If he can lift the batting numbers closer to 40 it will be a compelling case. He is also a brilliant slip fielder.
Australia impact
Konstas will be front-and-centre of the early-season bat-off, with the outcome of that to determine whether NSW have him for the whole pre-BBL stretch. They are likely to get good use out of
Nathan Lyon before the Ashes with the offspinner in line for at least three outings - he will also captain the opening game - then he should be available again in February given he isn't in Australia's T20 plans. How much
Steven Smith plays before the Ashes is still to be confirmed, but now that he's not in Australia's white-ball sides he could have significant availability.
Pat Cummins' back injury makes it unlikely he will make a rare Shield appearance, but
Mitchell Starc and
Josh Hazlewood could squeeze in a game before facing England.
Sean Abbott's scheduling could need some juggling given he is part of the white-ball sides and he will be in the frame as an Ashes reserve as well. Edwards, Tanveer Sangha and Lachlan Shaw will miss the opening round while on Australia A duty in India.
www.cricket.com.au
