Match Information
Match: Sheffield Shield 2025-26, Round 2
Date: October 15-18, 2025 (4-day match)
Venue: Bellerive Oval, Hobart, Tasmania
Start Time: 4:30 AM local time
Toss: Not done yet
Umpires: Michael Graham-Smith, Roberto Howard
Match Referee: David Johnston
Team News & Likely Playing XIs
Tasmania Squad (Confirmed)
Tasmania will play without Beau Webster. He has an ankle injury and will miss his second game in a row. Mitch Owen and Matt Kuhnemann are also out because they are playing for Australia’s ODI team.
Likely Playing XI (source: cricket.com.au):
- Jake Weatherald
- Caleb Jewell
- Tim Ward
- Jake Doran (wicketkeeper)
- Jordan Silk (captain)
- Bradley Hope
- Nikhil Chaudhary
- Gabe Bell
- Nivethan Radhakrishnan
- Riley Meredith
- Jackson Bird
Note: Kieran Elliott is also in the squad and might play.
Western Australia Squad (Confirmed)
Good news for WA – Aaron Hardie is back after a shoulder injury. But Cameron Green is playing ODIs for Australia, and Joel Paris is injured (hamstring). Young fast bowler Albert Esterhuysen might play his first big match after doing well in One-Day games.
Likely Playing XI (source: cricket.com.au):
- Cameron Bancroft
- Sam Whiteman (captain/wicketkeeper)
- Jayden Goodwin
- Hilton Cartwright
- Aaron Hardie
- Sam Fanning
- Ashton Agar
- Matthew Kelly
- Cameron Gannon
- Corey Rocchiccioli
- Liam Haskett or Albert Esterhuysen
Note: The final playing XI will be decided before the match starts.
Venue & Weather
Bellerive Oval in Hobart is usually good for batting. Fast bowlers get some help early in the morning when the ball moves around. October weather in Hobart is mild (around 15-18°C). The afternoon sea breeze can help bowlers swing the ball.
Players to Watch
| Player | Team | Role | Why Watch Them |
|---|---|---|---|
| Riley Meredith | Tasmania | Fast Bowler | Bowls very fast and knows Hobart pitch well |
| Aaron Hardie | WA | All-rounder | Just came back from injury, can bat and bowl |
| Jordan Silk | Tasmania | Batsman | Experienced captain, must lead young batsmen |
| Ashton Agar | WA | Spinner | Good left-arm spinner who can also bat |
| Jackson Bird | Tasmania | Fast Bowler | Experienced bowler, has played many games here |
| Corey Rocchiccioli | WA | Spinner | Takes important wickets in middle overs |
What to Expect
Tasmania want to win after drawing their first game against Queensland. But losing Beau Webster is a big problem – he is their best all-rounder. Captain Jordan Silk will need to help the younger batsmen.
Western Australia lost to NSW in Round 1 and want to win this game. Having Aaron Hardie back is very helpful. He can both bat and bowl. Their top batsmen like Cameron Bancroft have more experience than Tasmania’s batsmen.
The pitch will probably help fast bowlers early in the game. Whoever wins the toss might choose to bowl first. Both teams have good fast bowlers. The batsmen who can play well when the ball is moving will help their team win.
Match Prediction
Western Australia look stronger. They have more experienced batsmen and a better balanced team. Aaron Hardie coming back makes them even better. Tasmania will miss Beau Webster a lot.
But Tasmania are playing at home. If their fast bowlers bowl well early and Jordan Silk bats well, they can win.
Our Pick: Western Australia to win (they have a 60% chance)