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Josh Hazlewood and Mitch Starc to feature in Sheffield Shield ahead of Ashes 2025

Shreyasi

Aussie stars prepare for The Ashes [Source: AFP Photo] Aussie stars prepare for The Ashes [Source: AFP Photo]

Josh Hazlewood believes that one Sheffield Shield game will be enough to get quick practice before the Ashes. Hazlewood after playing the ODIs against India, may miss the T20Is to play for New South Wales.

Hazlewood and Starc getting ready for the Ashes

Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc were named in Australia’s squad for the ODI series against India. After the three ODIs against India, Australia would play a T20I series scheduled to be played from October 29. While Starc already retired from the format, Hazlewood was named for the first two T20Is against India.

Australia Cricket officials are keen to give the players some practice ahead of the Ashes starting on November 21. Therefore, in all likelihood, Starc and Hazlewood will be playing in the Sheffield Shield game against Victoria for New South Wales from November 10.

Hazlewood is confident that one Shield match will be enough for both of them ahead of the Ashes. At a Cricket Australia sponsorship programme, Hazlewood said on Monday,

"We've definitely had chats about fitting in a Shield game. I do think it's important when there's time for it. You don't want to squeeze things in or rush for it.”

Hazlewood shares his game plan 

Hazlewood opined that playing the ODIs would be helpful for the preparation as well. As the 34-year-old is still hoping to play in the T20 World Cup in February, he is trying to strike a balance. Speaking of his own game planning, Hazlewood remarked,

"This year I'm going to miss a couple of T20s to do that. Which I certainly don't like doing, missing games for Australia. But in the long run it is about getting the best prep for the Ashes as well. You can't have everything and that's the trade off at the moment."

He added that being around for long enough his game doesn’t change much, he knows how to ‘chop and change’ between formats. 

"That's why I put my hand up for as many tours as I can. Even if I only play two out of three on a tour, it just means I am still touching base with those formats.”

He informed that it was possible for him to play all five Ashes Tests following the breaks between matches.