Match: 12th Match, Sheffield Shield 2025-26
Date: November 11-14, 2025 (4-day match)
Venue: WACA Ground, Perth
Start Time: 5:30 AM (8:30 AM local time)
Toss: Not yet conducted
Umpires: Abhijeet Bengeri, Ben Treloar
Match Referee: Steve Davis
Team Squads (Confirmed)
According to Cricket Australia’s official announcement, here are the 13-player squads for both teams:
Western Australia Squad
Sam Whiteman (c), Cameron Bancroft, Hilton Cartwright, Cooper Connolly, Brody Couch, Joel Curtis, Cameron Gannon, Cameron Green, Aaron Hardie, Liam Haskett, Josh Inglis, Matt Kelly, Corey Rocchiccioli
Key Inclusions: Josh Inglis and Brody Couch return to the squad.
Queensland Squad
Marnus Labuschagne (c), Xavier Bartlett, Jack Clayton, Benji Floros, Lachlan Hearne, Angus Lovell, Michael Neser, Jimmy Peirson, Matthew Renshaw, Gurinder Sandhu, Mitchell Swepson, Hugh Weibgen, Tom Whitney
Notable Absence: Usman Khawaja misses out due to a minor adductor strain (expected back for Ashes).
Likely Playing XIs
Note: Final teams will be confirmed at the toss. Based on squad announcements and recent form:
Western Australia (Likely XI)
- Cameron Bancroft
- Sam Whiteman (c, wk)
- Hilton Cartwright
- Cameron Green
- Josh Inglis (wk)
- Aaron Hardie
- Cooper Connolly
- Matthew Kelly
- Corey Rocchiccioli
- Cameron Gannon
- Brody Couch
Queensland (Likely XI)
- Matthew Renshaw
- Angus Lovell (replacing Khawaja)
- Marnus Labuschagne (c)
- Jack Clayton
- Lachlan Hearne
- Jimmy Peirson (wk)
- Michael Neser
- Xavier Bartlett
- Mitchell Swepson
- Gurinder Sandhu
- Tom Whitney
Players to Watch
| Role | Player | Team | Why Watch |
|---|---|---|---|
| Batter | Marnus Labuschagne | Queensland | Top scorer for Queensland with 341 runs; seeking sixth century this season |
| Batter | Cameron Bancroft | Western Australia | Leading WA with 201 runs; consistent performer |
| All-rounder | Cameron Green | Western Australia | Returns to bowling; may bowl up to 20 overs as Ashes fitness test |
| Wicketkeeper | Josh Inglis | Western Australia | Fresh from T20I duty; getting red-ball practice before Ashes |
| Bowler | Matthew Kelly | Western Australia | Top wicket-taker for WA with 20 wickets this season |
| Bowler | Mitchell Swepson | Queensland | Leading Queensland’s attack with 12 wickets |
What to Expect
Western Australia sits at the bottom of the table with two losses and one draw, while Queensland is positioned second with one win and one draw. This creates an interesting dynamic at the WACA Ground.
The biggest storyline revolves around Cameron Green’s return to bowling, with chief national selector George Bailey suggesting he could bowl as many as 20 overs. This match serves as a crucial test for Green’s fitness ahead of the Ashes opener on November 21.
Josh Inglis will travel from Brisbane after the final T20I against India to join WA’s Shield side for red-ball match practice, which could create interesting selection decisions.
For Queensland, Usman Khawaja will be the only member of Australia’s first Test squad not to play due to a minor adductor strain, with Angus Lovell likely to open in his place.
Weather Forecast
Perth weather in mid-November is generally pleasant for cricket. Temperatures are expected around 25°C with minimal rain, perfect for four days of Sheffield Shield action.
Pitch Report
The WACA Ground traditionally offers good pace and bounce, favoring fast bowlers early before flattening out for batting. This should suit WA’s pace attack, but Queensland’s experienced bowlers will also enjoy the conditions.
Match Prediction
Queensland enters as slight favorites given their better season form and the presence of in-form Marnus Labuschagne. However, Western Australia will be eager to turn their season around at home, and Cameron Green’s all-round presence could be the difference.
Key Factor: How much Cameron Green bowls and his effectiveness could swing this match. If he bowls his expected 20 overs and picks up wickets, WA’s chances improve dramatically.
Verdict: A closely contested match with Queensland holding a slight edge due to better recent form, but don’t count out the home team.