The final round of the Sheffield Shield starts on Saturday, with Victoria already booked into the decider and the other berth still up for grabs. South Australia control their own fate: beat Victoria in Melbourne and they go through. Any slip, though, opens the door for Queensland, who visit Hobart needing a win and a favour from the hosts. A brief reminder: a victory is worth six points, with bonus batting and bowling points available in the first 100 overs of each first innings.
Victoria v South Australia – Melbourne, Junction Oval
Victoria have recalled Dylan Brasher after an accomplished debut against Queensland. The 23-year-old slots in for Blake Macdonald, while Scott Boland returns after sitting out the Tasmania match. Coach Chris Rogers said earlier this week, “Scott’s workload has been carefully managed and he’s itching to play.” All-rounder Ollie Peake is back following a precautionary rest after the head knock he suffered against Western Australia.
Matt Short (finger) is unavailable and, in any event, heads to the IPL. Captain Will Sutherland noted, “Losing Matt hurts, but we’ve got depth and a clear plan.”
Victoria squad: Will Sutherland (capt), Scott Boland, Dylan Brasher, Sam Elliott, Sam Harper (wk), Marcus Harris, Peter Handscomb, Campbell Kellaway, Todd Murphy, Fergus O’Neill, Ollie Peake, Mitch Perry.
South Australia travel without Travis Head, who is resting before the IPL and will also miss a potential final. Mackenzie Harvey is set to partner Henry Hunt at the top. Uncapped all-rounder Noah McFadyen, leading SA Premier Cricket with three centuries, and seamer Tim Oakley come in. Captain Nathan McSweeney said on Tuesday, “Noah’s earned his chance; he’s been the competition’s form batter.”
South Australia squad: Nathan McSweeney (capt), Jordan Buckingham, Alex Carey (wk), Mackenzie Harvey, Henry Hunt, Jake Lehmann, Ben Manenti, Nathan McAndrew, Noah McFadyen, Tim Oakley, Jason Sangha, Liam Scott, Henry Thornton.
Tasmania v Queensland – Hobart, Bellerive Oval
Tasmania’s Shield season is done, and they must rebound from a one-day final defeat. Gabe Bell, Jackson Bird, and Riley Meredith are rested after busy spells; Meredith also heads to the PSL. Jake Weatherald returns following back spasms, while Billy Stanlake is available again.
Tasmania squad: Jordan Silk (capt), Jake Doran (wk), Kieran Elliott, Calen Jewell, Matthew Kuhnemann, Lawrence Neil-Smith, Billy Stanlake, Charlie Wakim, Tim Ward, Jake Weatherald, Beau Webster, Mac Wright.
Queensland’s hopes were kept alive by rain against WA, and their pace stocks are suddenly strong. Xavier Bartlett is free after the T20 World Cup, Michael Neser is back from a rest, and Hayden Kerr has overcome an ankle issue. Bowling coach Andy Bichel remarked, “Having Xav and Ness together gives us real strike power.” Young quick Tom Balkin is in line for a debut, while Jack Clayton and Lachlan Hearne return from injuries. Usman Khawaja misses the match, awaiting the birth of his third child. Captain Jimmy Peirson sounded upbeat: “We’ve been given a second chance. It’s up to us now.”
Queensland squad: Jimmy Peirson (capt & wk), Xavier Bartlett, Tom Balkin, Jack Clayton, Lachlan Hearne, Hayden Kerr, Michael Neser, Gurinder Sandhu, Matthew Renshaw, Bryce Street, Mitchell Swepson, Jack Wildermuth.
How the table stands
Victoria – 53.54 points (qualified)
South Australia – 43.62
Queensland – 40.21
Western Australia – 38.90
Tasmania – 33.10
New South Wales – 28.45
The equation is therefore simple enough. If South Australia win, they face Victoria again in the final. Any other result and Queensland can overtake them with victory in Hobart. As Peirson put it, “Shield cricket rarely hands out favours. We’ve just got to earn ours.”
