Match Details
Date: October 15-18, 2025 (4-day match)
Venue: Adelaide Oval, Adelaide
Start Time: 10:30 AM local (first session)
Toss: Yet to be conducted
Series: Sheffield Shield 2025-26, Round 2
Umpires: Ben Treloar, Daryl Brigham
Match Referee: Simon Fry
Confirmed Playing Squads
South Australia (12-player squad)
Source: Cricket Australia official announcement (Oct 14, 2025)
Nathan McSweeney (c), Wes Agar, Jordan Buckingham, Alex Carey, Henry Hunt, Hanno Jacobs, Jake Lehmann, Nathan McAndrew, Conor McInerney, Lloyd Pope, Jason Sangha, Liam Scott
Key Ins: Alex Carey (returns from T20 duties), Nathan McAndrew (recovered from back injury), Liam Scott (back from Australia A)
Outs: Daniel Drew, Harry Manenti, Harry Nielsen
Queensland (13-player squad)
Source: Cricket Australia official announcement (Oct 14, 2025)
Marnus Labuschagne (c), Jack Clayton, Benji Floros, Lachlan Hearne, Usman Khawaja, Angus Lovell, Michael Neser, Jimmy Peirson, Jack Sinfield, Tom Straker, Mitchell Swepson, Hugh Weibgen, Jack Wildermuth
Key Ins: Lachlan Hearne, Angus Lovell, Jack Sinfield, Tom Straker
Outs: Matthew Renshaw (ODI squad), Gurinder Sandhu (hamstring), Xavier Bartlett (ODI squad)
Note: Final XI from each 12/13-player squad will be announced at the toss.
Players to Watch
| Player | Role | Why Watch Them |
|---|---|---|
| Alex Carey (SA) | Wicketkeeper-Batter | Australian Test keeper making his first Shield appearance this summer; crucial Ashes preparation |
| Marnus Labuschagne (QLD) | Batter (c) | Recently dropped from Test XI; desperate to secure Ashes spot with big scores |
| Nathan McSweeney (SA) | Top-Order Batter (c) | Strong contender for Australia’s Ashes opening role; direct rivalry with Labuschagne |
| Usman Khawaja (QLD) | Top-Order Batter | Test opener seeking form ahead of England series; experienced campaigner |
| Nathan McAndrew (SA) | Fast Bowler | Took five wickets in recent one-dayer; back from injury to lead SA’s pace attack |
| Michael Neser (QLD) | Bowling Allrounder | Seasoned campaigner with Test experience; key to Queensland’s balance |
What to Expect
This match is more than just round two—it’s a rematch of last season’s Sheffield Shield final, which South Australia won by four wickets. The Redbacks defend their crown on home turf at Adelaide Oval, where conditions typically favor batting on the first two days before offering turn to spinners later.
Weather forecasts suggest warm, partly cloudy conditions with temperatures around 28-30°C—ideal for cricket. Expect minimal rain interruptions across the four days.
The subplot centers on Ashes selection battles. Nathan McSweeney and Marnus Labuschagne, both natural number threes, are fighting for spots in Australia’s top order against England. McSweeney’s solid start to the season puts pressure on Labuschagne, who was surprisingly dropped from the Test side recently.
For South Australia, Alex Carey’s return adds significant firepower. The Test wicketkeeper will use this match to fine-tune his red-ball game before the Ashes. Nathan McAndrew’s fitness is another boost—his five-wicket haul last week showed he’s back to his penetrative best.
Queensland arrive without Matthew Renshaw (ODI duties) and Xavier Bartlett (also ODI squad), weakening their depth. Angus Lovell steps in to open with Usman Khawaja, while Lachlan Hearne and Tom Straker return from Australia A duties to bolster the Bulls’ options.
Prediction: South Australia hold a psychological edge as defending champions on home soil. With Carey and McAndrew back, they look the stronger XI on paper. Queensland will need Khawaja and Labuschagne to fire big centuries to overcome their depleted squad. Expect a competitive contest with SA favorites to take a 2-0 lead in the final rematch.
Watch Live: Check Cricket Australia’s website for streaming details and live scores throughout the match.