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A state-by-state preview of the 2020-21 Sheffield Shield cricket season.
A LOOK AT ALL SIX STATES COMPETING IN THE 2020-21 SHEFFIELD SEASON
* NEW SOUTH WALES
After claiming a 47th title last season - and first for six years - it is hard not to see NSW again featuring near the top. Even with the usual international talent mostly unavailable, the Blues have added Australian limited-overs legspinner Adam Zampa and former ODI quick Chris Tremain. Steve Smith, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and David Warner won't be there for the early rounds, but fellow Test stars Nathan Lyon and Mitchell Starc will be.
SQUAD: Peter Nevill (capt), Daniel Hughes, Nick Larkin, Kurtis Patterson, Moises Henriques, Daniel Solway, Jason Sangha, Matthew Gilkes, Sean Abbott, Trent Copeland, Mitchell Starc, Chris Tremain, Nathan Lyon, Liam Hatcher, Harry Conway, Jack Edwards, Tanveer Sangha.
LAST SEASON'S RESULT: Champions
* VICTORIA
Chris Rogers steps into the coaching role made vacant by Andrew McDonald. The former Test opener has some serious young talent to work with as Jake Fraser-McGurk, Will Pucovski and Will Sutherland continue to push their claims as stars of the future. Aaron Finch and Glenn Maxwell are away on Indian Premier League duties, but both stars are out of the Test frame and will play key roles in the back-half of the season.
SQUAD: Peter Handscomb (capt), Scott Boland, Xavier Crone, Travis Dean, Zak Evans, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Seb Gotch, Sam Harper, Marcus Harris, Jon Holland, Nic Maddinson, Simon Mackin, Todd Murphy, Jono Merlo, Mitch Perry, Will Pucovski, Matt Short, Will Sutherland.
LAST SEASON'S RESULT: Second
* QUEENSLAND
The Bulls' batting depth is something to behold. They will want to bank early wins before Marnus Labuschagne heads off to continue the sparkling start to his international career. The Test No.3 will be surrounded by opener Joe Burns and former Australian batsmen Usman Khawaja and Matt Renshaw in the middle order. Legspinner Mitchell Swepson will be hoping the early games in South Australia help his case for an international call-up.
SQUAD: Usman Khawaja (capt), Xavier Bartlett, Joe Burns, Blake Edwards, Benji Floros, Matthew Kuhnemann, Marnus Labuschagne, Michael Neser, Jimmy Peirson, Lachy Pfeffer, Matt Renshaw, Mark Steketee, Bryce Street, Mitchell Swepson, Jack Wildermuth.
LAST SEASON'S RESULT: Third
* TASMANIA
Tasmania shape as a serious contender this season after the inclusion of former Test paceman Peter Siddle. The Victorian veteran will boost the fast-bowling stocks alongside Jackson Bird, Riley Meredith, Nathan Ellis and Sam Rainbird. They will enjoy the services of Test captain Tim Paine for at least the first four rounds.
SQUAD: Tim Paine (capt), Tom Andrews, Gabe Bell, Jackson Bird, Alex Doolan, Jake Doran, Ben McDermott, Riley Meredith, Nathan Ellis, Sam Rainbird, Peter Siddle, Jordan Silk, Charlie Wakim, Tim Ward, Beau Webster, Mac Wright, (Matthew Wade to join the squad ahead of round three).
LAST SEASON'S RESULT: Fourth
* WESTERN AUSTRALIA
No Mitchell Marsh for the first few rounds as the star allrounder recovers from an ankle injury. But the Warriors, under Adam Voges, have a good mix of youth and experience to improve on last season's disappointing campaign. WA have plenty of international experience but most are unlikely to be selected in the Test squad and should play in the Shield for the bulk of the season.
SQUAD: Mitchell Marsh (capt), Ashton Agar, Cameron Bancroft, Hilton Cartwright, Cameron Gannon, Cameron Green, Liam Guthrie, Aaron Hardie, Josh Inglis, Matt Kelly, Shaun Marsh, David Moody, Lance Morris, Liam O'Connor, Joel Paris, D'Arcy Short, Ashton Turner, Sam Whiteman.
LAST SEASON'S RESULT: Fifth
* SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Former Test quick Jason Gillespie has the tough ask of turning his home state around. The Redbacks' Shield form has been woeful, finishing bottom for three-straight seasons. While Gillespie's coaching prowess will help, there just isn't enough talent for a dramatic jump up the table.
SQUAD: Travis Head (capt), Wes Agar, Tom Cooper, Brad Davis, Callum Ferguson, Henry Hunt, Conor McInerney, Harry Nielsen (wk), Lloyd Pope, Luke Robins, Chadd Sayers, Liam Scott, Cameron Valente, Jake Weatherald, Nick Winter.
LAST SEASON'S RESULT: Sixth