As Australia gears up for a busy international cricket season, two of its premier players, Steven Smith and Mitchell Starc, will suit up for New South Wales (NSW) against Victoria in the Sheffield Shield. This highly anticipated match, which takes place at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).
Return of Steven Smith and Mitchell Starc
The return of Steven Smith and Mitchell Starc to the Sheffield Shield adds excitement to an already highly competitive fixture. Both players have been key figures in Australia’s international cricket scene, and their presence in the domestic circuit is always eagerly awaited. Smith and Starc last played in Sheffield Shield in 2021, and their return is expected to add a high level of intensity and quality to the game.
Mitchell Starc has always been a powerhouse bowler for Australia, known for his speed, swing, and ability to pick wickets at crucial moments. His return to Sheffield Shield after a lengthy absence (his last Shield match was in 2021) has cricket fans excited.
Steven Smith, regarded as one of the best batters of his generation, also makes his long-awaited return to the domestic circuit. Smith’s previous Sheffield Shield performances have been exceptional, consistently making valuable contributions with the bat.
Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood Absence
While Smith and Starc return for NSW, Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood will be absent from this Shield clash. However, they are expected to play in the One-Day Cup fixture on October 25 at Junction Oval. Their exclusion from this match allows them to focus on limited-overs cricket as Australia prepares for the ODI series against Pakistan and the critical Test series against India.
Sean Abbott’s Return from Injury
Sean Abbott is set to return after missing the opening round due to a minor injury he picked up during the England tour. His return bolsters the NSW bowling attack, adding depth and experience.
Nathan Lyon will once again play a vital role for NSW. He was a standout performer in the previous round against South Australia, taking eight wickets and proving why he remains one of the most valuable bowlers in the game.
Victoria’s Squad and Scott Boland’s Inclusion
On the other side, Victoria’s squad will be bolstered by the inclusion of Scott Boland, a highly respected fast bowler. Boland has been a mainstay for Victoria, consistently delivering strong performances in the domestic arena. His presence ensures that Victoria will have a potent bowling attack, capable of troubling the NSW batting lineup.
One of the rising stars for Victoria is 19-year-old opener Sam Konstas. After his twin hundreds against South Australia, Konstas has been called up to the Australia A squad.
NSW will head into this game without Matthew Gilkes, Ryan Hadley, and Liam Hatcher, who have been left out of the squad. While they contributed to the team’s draw with South Australia earlier this month, the return of key players like Starc and Abbott necessitated changes to the lineup.
New South Wales squad: Sean Abbott, Jackson Bird, Ollie Davies, Jack Edwards, Moises Henriques, Sam Konstas, Nathan Lyon, Nic Maddinson, Jack Nisbet, Josh Philippe, Tanveer Sangha, Steven Smith, Mitchell Starc
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