[CRK]
Star-Studded Sheffield Shield Round Launches Final Ashes Preparation
With the 2023 Ashes just around the corner, Australia’s premier cricketers are stepping into action in a high-octane round of Sheffield Shield cricket—giving them a critical edge as they fine-tune their red-ball skills ahead of the first Test on November 21.
A Home Advantage in Full Swing
Every member of Australia’s Ashes squad, save Usman Khawaja, is on display this week across three major venues: the SCG, Bellerive Oval, and the WACA. From Steve Smith to Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon to Travis Head, the nation’s elite are immersing themselves in competitive cricket under match conditions.
Meanwhile, England’s preparations couldn’t look more different. The tourists are locked in a three-day intra-squad match at Lilac Hill in Perth—a picturesque but non-international ground that offers little resemblance to the pace and bounce of Optus Stadium.
Contrasting Approaches Fuel Debate
The disparity in preparation has sparked discussion, notably from former England captain Michael Vaughan, who questioned the value of practising at Lilac Hill ahead of a crucial Test at one of the fastest venues in world cricket.
Yet, Australia’s players are refusing to play mind games. Nathan Lyon remained focused, stating: “England can prepare however they want to prepare. I’m not worried about how they’re preparing or anything to do with them until the morning of November 21.”
Why Red-Ball Rust Matters
England arrive off the back of a white-ball series against New Zealand, with their last red-ball cricket action dating back to early August. In contrast, Australia’s key batters are already in form: Steven Smith has notched a red-ball century this summer, while Marnus Labuschagne has hit two.
For bowlers, rhythm is everything. Sean Abbott highlighted the subtle but crucial differences between formats: “Your action gets into a little bit of a different position trying to hit yorkers constantly through white-ball cricket. Then when you come back to red-ball, you want to be a little bit up-and-over and get that kiss off the wicket.”
Bowlers Rebuilding Rhythm, Green Eyes Comeback
Australia’s pace core is using the Shield games to sharpen their craft. Scott Boland is playing his third match of the season, Lyon his fourth, while Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood return to the SCG to take on Victoria with New South Wales.
All eyes in Perth will be on Cameron Green, returning to bowling action with Western Australia. His ability to contribute with both bat and ball could be a game-changer in the Ashes series.
Ready When Called: Sean Abbott’s Test Ambitions
With injuries and form always in flux, Sean Abbott remains on standby for a potential Test debut. “I feel like I could get the tap on the shoulder,” he said. “Being around those guys is invaluable, whether you’re playing or not.”
His inclusion in the NSW squad alongside Starc and Hazlewood offers not just personal preparation, but a chance to absorb the rhythms of top-tier Test bowling attacks.
Full Sheffield Shield Squads
New South Wales squad
- Steve Smith (capt)
- Sean Abbott
- Ollie Davies
- Jack Edwards
- Ryan Hadley
- Josh Hazlewood
- Sam Konstas
- Nathan Lyon
- Kurtis Patterson
- Josh Philippe
- Will Salzmann
- Mitchell Starc
Victoria squad
- Will Sutherland (capt)
- Scott Boland
- Harry Dixon
- Sam Elliott
- Peter Handscomb
- Sam Harper
- Marcus Harris
- Campbell Kellaway
- Blake Macdonald
- Todd Murphy
- Fergus O’Neill
- Oliver Peake
Tasmania squad
- Jordan Silk (capt)
- Gabe Bell
- Jackson Bird
- Nikhil Chaudhary
- Jake Doran
- Kieran Elliott
- Brad Hope
- Caleb Jewell
- Matt Kuhnemann
- Aidan O’Connor
- Tim Ward
- Jake Weatherald
- Beau Webster
South Australia squad
- Nathan McSweeney (capt)
- Jordan Buckingham
- Alex Carey
- Brendan Doggett
- Travis Head
- Henry Hunt
- Jake Lehmann
- Ben Manenti
- Nathan McAndrew
- Jason Sangha
- Liam Scott
- Henry Thornton
As the Ashes build toward their first clash, Australia’s comprehensive, high-level preparation stands in stark contrast to England’s limited buildup—a difference that could echo far beyond the training paddock.
