LATEST: How are Australia’s Ashes Test stars performing? Sheffield Shield updates

Senior Editor
LATEST: How are Australia’s Ashes Test stars performing? Sheffield Shield updates image

The final round of Sheffield Shield matches is underway before the 2025/26 Ashes Test series begins in Perth on Friday week.

With red ball matches taking place in Sydney, Hobart and Perth, all but one member of the 15-man Australian Test squad is in action—38-year-old Queensland opener Usman Khawaja is the lone absentee—with players either looking to press home their selection claims or build form and confidence ahead of the First Test.

Here’s how each Australian squad member has performed so far:

Jake Weatherald (TAS vs SA)

Made an aggressive start against SA with five boundaries, but couldn’t go on with it, bowled for 23 in Tasmania’s first innings. The 31-year-old Test hopeful is back in action in the second innings, reaching 11 not out before play was halted due to a rain delay.

Marnus Labuschagne (QLD vs WA)

Recently recalled to the Test squad, will Marnus open for Australia or come in at three? Currently batting with Matt Renshaw at the WACA in Perth, went to the day one lunch break on a patient 13 not out.

Cameron Green (WA vs QLD)

With WA winning the toss and electing to field against QLD, it’s a critical moment in the Test summer with Green desperate to show his body can withstand the rigours of red-ball bowling. The 26-year-old started well, getting good bounce and carry in his early overs and took the first wicket for WA in his third over. So far, so good.

Steve Smith (NSW vs VIC)

Looked good at number four on a tricky SCG pitch, moving to a half-century while his NSW teammates struggled around him. 54 not out at tea on day two.

Travis Head (SA vs TAS)

Caught for just nine runs in the first innings in Hobart.

Beau Webster (TAS vs SA)

Caught behind for just 13 runs in the first innings before taking 5-50 with the ball in a rain-affected match. In all likelihood, Webster’s Ashes selection fate is linked—albeit inversely—to that of the squad’s other all-rounder, Cameron Green.

Alex Carey (SA vs TAS)

Took three catches and then scored an entertaining 59 off 63 balls in what’s shaping to be a low-scoring match in Hobart.

Josh Inglis (WA vs QLD)

Yet to bat in Perth. 

Mitchell Starc (NSW vs VIC)

Took 4-91 in the Victorian first innings and looked in fine rhythm, aside from being taken for 22 runs in one over by Sam Harper.

Nathan Lyon (NSW vs VIC)

Australia’s ageless off-spinner bowled nearly 30 overs in the first innings at the SCG, taking 4-82.

Josh Hazlewood (NSW vs VIC)

Went wicketless in the first innings against Victoria, but was as economical as ever.

Scott Boland (VIC vs NSW)

At his miserly best with four maidens from his first nine overs against NSW, including the wicket of Sam Konstas. 

Sean Abbott (NSW vs VIC)

Solid if not spectacular, taking 1-75 in the Victorian first innings.

Brendan Doggett (SA vs TAS)

A long-shot for First Test selection, but Doggett continues to do his cause no harm, taking a fine 4-66 in the first innings against Tasmania. Looked good again at the start of the second innings.

Editorial Team