Table of Contents
- Why the SCG Sheffield Shield Match Matters
- Hazlewood and Starc’s Current Workload Plan
- ODIs, T20Is, and the Road to the Ashes
- How They’ve Fared at the SCG
- What This Means for Australia’s Ashes Strategy
- Sources
Why the SCG Sheffield Shield Match Matters
In a strategic move aimed at fine-tuning their pace attack ahead of the 2025–26 Ashes, Australia’s premier fast bowlers—Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc—are set to return to domestic cricket with a Sheffield Shield outing at the SCG later this month.
The match, scheduled between New South Wales and Queensland from October 24–27, will serve as a vital red-ball tune-up for both veterans. While neither has played first-class cricket since the 2023–24 season, Cricket Australia’s medical and high-performance team sees this as the ideal low-pressure environment to rebuild rhythm, test fitness, and dial in line-and-length control before the Ashes spotlight hits.
Hazlewood and Starc’s Current Workload Plan
Both bowlers are currently locked into Australia’s white-ball commitments against India:
- Three ODIs (Oct 12–18): Both Hazlewood and Starc are confirmed for the full ODI series.
- Five T20Is (Oct 20–Nov 2): Hazlewood will miss the latter half of the T20I leg to prioritize red-ball prep, while Starc may feature in 2–3 matches before joining Shield duty.
This phased approach reflects CA’s growing emphasis on workload management for senior quicks—especially with the Ashes just months away. “We’re being proactive, not reactive,” said a CA high-performance insider. “Getting them into competitive red-ball cricket before December is non-negotiable.”
ODIs, T20Is, and the Road to the Ashes
The India tour is a dual-purpose assignment: it satisfies ICC Future Tours commitments while acting as a bridge to the Ashes. But selectors are clear—the real focus is building a potent Test attack.
With Pat Cummins likely to lead the pace trio in Brisbane (Ashes opener, Nov 28), having Hazlewood and Starc match-ready gives Australia enviable depth. Their SCG outing will be closely monitored by national selectors and head coach Andrew McDonald.
How They’ve Fared at the SCG
The Sydney Cricket Ground holds special significance for both bowlers:
| Bowler | SCG First-Class Wickets | Avg | Best Bowling |
|---|---|---|---|
| Josh Hazlewood | 42 | 21.35 | 6/62 |
| Mitchell Starc | 38 | 24.81 | 5/48 |
The SCG’s true pitch and subtle swing offer ideal conditions for refining their stock balls—Hazlewood’s metronomic seam and Starc’s left-arm angle and reverse swing.
What This Means for Australia’s Ashes Strategy
Australia hasn’t lost an Ashes series at home since 2001. Maintaining that streak hinges on pace dominance—and that starts with fitness and form.
By slotting Hazlewood and Starc into Shield cricket now, CA avoids the risk of undercooked bowlers in November. It also sends a message: the Ashes remain the pinnacle, even amid a packed white-ball calendar.
For fans, it’s a rare chance to see two of Australia’s greatest quicks in domestic whites—possibly their last Shield appearance before the urn is up for grabs.