Overview
- Mitchell Starc marked his red‑ball return with 4-91 for New South Wales, with Nathan Lyon taking 2-65 and Josh Hazlewood delivering 18 wicketless overs.
- Jake Weatherald was out for 23 in Tasmania’s Shield match, leaving the opener decision unresolved as talk grows about promoting Marnus Labuschagne.
- South Australia quick Brendan Doggett pressed his case with 5-66 in Hobart, while Beau Webster managed 13 before later dismissing Travis Head for nine.
- Fourteen of Australia’s 15-man Test squad are using this Shield round as preparation, contrasting with England’s single three-day warm-up against an England Lions XI.
- Pat Cummins will miss the Perth opener with Steve Smith to captain, selectors have not confirmed the XI, and Chappell highlights the squad’s advanced age and England’s pace threat from Jofra Archer and Mark Wood.