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Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head set for Sheffield Shield return ahead of Ashes 2025

Akshita Patel

Ashes stars return for Sheffield Shield [Source: @FoxCricket, @cricketcomau/X.com]Ashes stars return for Sheffield Shield [Source: @FoxCricket, @cricketcomau/X.com]

The upcoming round four of the Sheffield Shield is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in recent memory. With the Ashes opener against England just around the corner, almost every member of Australia’s Test squad will take the field starting Monday, November 10.

The headline news is the return of Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Scott Boland, three of Australia’s top fast bowlers, who are set to play their first Shield matches of the summer. 

They’ll use this round as a crucial preparation before the Ashes begin on November 21.

Starc, Hazlewood, and Smith lead star-studded NSW squad

At the SCG, New South Wales will face Victoria in a mouth-watering clash featuring several Test players. Steve Smith will captain NSW for the first time since 2017, with Starc, Hazlewood, Nathan Lyon, and Sean Abbott joining him in a power-packed lineup.

Hazlewood and Abbott have been released from Australia’s T20 squad to get some red-ball practice. It will also be Starc’s first Shield appearance this season. Victoria, led by Will Sutherland, are unbeaten so far and welcome back Scott Boland, who took a five-wicket haul in his last Shield game. 

Travis Head and Alex Carey boost South Australia

Down in Hobart, South Australia will take on Tasmania, with Travis Head and Alex Carey returning to the Redbacks lineup. Both are tuning up for the Ashes and bring valuable experience to their side. 

New Test squad member Jake Weatherald will be one to watch, as he looks to strengthen his case for a spot alongside Khawaja at the top of the order. Tasmania are expected to bring back Jackson Bird as well.

Cameron Green returns to bowling for WA

Over in Perth, all eyes will be on Cameron Green, who is set to bowl for the first time this summer as Western Australia hosts Queensland. 

Chief selector George Bailey confirmed Green could bowl up to 20 overs, a key fitness test before the Ashes. Josh Inglis, another Test squad member, will also return to the WA side.

With nearly the entire Test squad in action, round four of the Sheffield Shield feels less like domestic cricket and more like a mini Ashes warm-up.