Josh Hazlewood Set for Season Debut, Nathan Lyon Rested Ahead of Test Series
Mitchell Swepson will captain Queensland, which also faces its share of absences, including Marnus Labuschagne, who is on ODI duty, along with other players engaged with Australia A or nursing injuries.
Josh Hazlewood is set to make his first appearance of the season for New South Wales as he prepares for the upcoming Test series against India. Meanwhile, fellow spinner Nathan Lyon will be rested, having already bowled 104 overs across two matches in the Sheffield Shield.
Hazlewood's Comeback
Hazlewood was initially slated to play in the One-Day Cup match against Victoria but withdrew due to illness. His upcoming Sheffield Shield match against Queensland marks his first competitive game since returning from the England tour in late September, likely serving as his only game before the India Test series.
Lyon's Rest and State of Play
Lyon's absence comes as part of a planned rest period, with expectations that he would feature in three Shield matches prior to the Test series. However, after extensive bowling in previous games, it appears he will not participate further in the lead-up to the India series.
New South Wales faces challenges in this round of the Shield, as several players are away on Australia ODI and Australia A duties. Notable absences from the NSW lineup include Steven Smith, Mitchell Starc, and Sean Abbott, among others. In light of these departures, young legspinner Tanveer Sangha will return to the squad in Lyon's place.
Queensland and Other Team Updates
Mitchell Swepson will captain Queensland, which also faces its share of absences, including Marnus Labuschagne, who is on ODI duty, along with other players engaged with Australia A or nursing injuries. The team has called up new talent in Mahli Beardman, who may make his first-class debut, and the experienced Ashton Agar has been included in the squad despite limited recent game time.
For Tasmania, seamer Gabe Bell returns after a rest, while South Australia is similarly affected by player call-ups and injuries.
As both Hazlewood and the teams prepare for their upcoming fixtures, fans and selectors alike will be watching closely as Australia gears up for the critical Test series against India.
