Sheffield Shield Cricket 2025/26

[lemmon]

Marn's made another ton in the one day stuff - he's looking in pretty pink form.

[Axe Man]

Marn's made another ton in the one day stuff - he's looking in pretty pink form.

Talk that Marnus will return to the test team to open, Smith up to 3 and Green back to 4.

[lemmon]

Talk that Marnus will return to the test team to open, Smith up to 3 and Green back to 4.

I like Marnus up top. He's a good starter and is a better player than the other guys being touted. With Usman going soon, it means we continue with an experienced opener (should he make it work).

I guess Smith at 3 gives Green a bit more of a rest if he's bowling, but that shuffling is pretty ho-hum for me. I think there's every chance that Smith finishes up at the end of the series and we're back trying to find a first drop.

[GVGjr]

I like Marnus up top. He's a good starter and is a better player than the other guys being touted. With Usman going soon, it means we continue with an experienced opener (should he make it work).

I guess Smith at 3 gives Green a bit more of a rest if he's bowling, but that shuffling is pretty ho-hum for me. I think there's every chance that Smith finishes up at the end of the series and we're back trying to find a first drop.

I'd be interested in your thoughts on potentially playing both Green and Webster in the top 6 specially if Green can get through 8 overs a day when required?

[lemmon]

I'd be interested in your thoughts on potentially playing both Green and Webster in the top 6 specially if Green can get through 8 overs a day when required?

I'd be playing them both in Perth. I think Green is in the best three batters in the country, so I would be settling him at 3 or 4. I don't really like Green down the order, so I'd be more focused on his batting - any overs that he can roll through are a bonus at this stage.

With Webster, I just don't see how you can drop him based on performance. His numbers have been good, he's made big-time contributions with bat and ball, and he's the best catcher in the side. If Green can bowl, it puts extra pressure on Webster as it gives them the option of playing someone like Inglis at six, but at the moment Webster is the incumbent man and has earned his place with performance.

[GVGjr]

I'd be playing them both in Perth. I think Green is in the best three batters in the country, so I would be settling him at 3 or 4. I don't really like Green down the order, so I'd be more focused on his batting - any overs that he can roll through are a bonus at this stage.

With Webster, I just don't see how you can drop him based on performance. His numbers have been good, he's made big-time contributions with bat and ball, and he's the best catcher in the side. If Green can bowl, it puts extra pressure on Webster as it gives them the option of playing someone like Inglis at six, but at the moment Webster is the incumbent man and has earned his place with performance.

I don't quite see the sense in potentially having 5 searmers/quicks and a spin bowler in the side even on the Perth track.
If Green can handle 5 too 8 overs in a day that's all we need from a 5th bowler even with some doubts on Cummings.
The question becomes if Webster is the 6th or 7th best batsman in the country. He may well be but it needs to be asked.

[Bulldog Joe]

I don't quite see the sense in potentially having 5 searmers/quicks and a spin bowler in the side even on the Perth track.
If Green can handle 5 too 8 overs in a day that's all we need from a 5th bowler even with some doubts on Cummings.
The question becomes if Webster is the 6th or 7th best batsman in the country. He may well be but it needs to be asked.

I think in his time in the side Webster has shown some definite quality to survive and value his wicket.

He seems better in that regard than just about anyone else we have rolled out in the last few seasons.

The fact that our top order remains brittle is the main reason Webster needs to be retained.

[lemmon]

I don't quite see the sense in potentially having 5 searmers/quicks and a spin bowler in the side even on the Perth track.
If Green can handle 5 too 8 overs in a day that's all we need from a 5th bowler even with some doubts on Cummings.
The question becomes if Webster is the 6th or 7th best batsman in the country. He may well be but it needs to be asked.

Webster was the leading run-scorer in the Shield in 23-24, and averaged 47 in the Shield last season as well. On recent numbers, he is the best bat in the domestic game.

I don't think you could leave out a guy who forced his way into the side by being the most well performed domestic bat in the country, then plays multiple match-winning innings and averages 35 from his first 7 Tests.

Green's bowling would put pressure on Webster hadn't performed or there was an unreal middle order option, but I don't think there is one.

Inglis maybe? He's out with a calf anyway.

[lemmon]

Just looking at the Shield sides this morning and I'm keen to hopefully try and have a little look at Jack Clayton and Hugh Weibgen for Queensland.

Clayton is a smokey for higher honours and should start to push the A set-up this year. Really well-balanced left-hander who plays nicely around the ground. A bit of Shaun Marsh in his strokeplay.

I've seen some of Weibgen for the Aus under 19s, and they loveeee him in Queensland - Johan Botha has mentioned him as captain in waiting. Massive wraps for a guy with one Shield game and who is yet to turn 21. I've only ever seen him play white ball cricket, and he's really suited to that role at 5 or 6 where he comes in and finishes innings. Very cool head and he has good power.

[lemmon]

Bit worried about the shape Jake Weatherald's game is in.

He always got pretty low in his stance and bends forward at the hips, but it was looking very pronounced today. Hardie got him with a good one, but I'm not sure you can be properly balanced when your head is outside the line of your feet. Reckon he's looking less likely to be in contention.

[Axe Man]

Just looking at the Shield sides this morning and I'm keen to hopefully try and have a little look at Jack Clayton and Hugh Weibgen for Queensland.

Clayton is a smokey for higher honours and should start to push the A set-up this year. Really well-balanced left-hander who plays nicely around the ground. A bit of Shaun Marsh in his strokeplay.

I've seen some of Weibgen for the Aus under 19s, and they loveeee him in Queensland - Johan Botha has mentioned him as captain in waiting. Massive wraps for a guy with one Shield game and who is yet to turn 21. I've only ever seen him play white ball cricket, and he's really suited to that role at 5 or 6 where he comes in and finishes innings. Very cool head and he has good power.

Have you seen much of Will Salzmann?

Read an article talking him up today. Top scored for NSW in both innings on debut last week in a low scoring game at the WACA. Also a talented medium-fast bowler. Kerry O'Keefe likened his batting style to Steve Waugh.

[Axe Man]

Boland removes Konstas for a first over duck. Sam's Ashes hopes are fading fast.

[Sedat]

Konstas can't play at test level - he'll be lucky to play Shield level by Xmas. His technique is so badly flawed.

[lemmon]

Have you seen much of Will Salzmann?

Read an article talking him up today. Top scored for NSW in both innings on debut last week in a low scoring game at the WACA. Also a talented medium-fast bowler. Kerry O'Keefe likened his batting style to Steve Waugh.

Nah - I haven't seen much, but name a more iconic duo than Kerry O'Keefe and hyping up New South Wales' youngsters.

I love Kerry, but every year he's anointing some New South Wales kid 'the best young player in 30 years'.

[GVGjr]

Nah - I haven't seen much, but name a more iconic duo than Kerry O'Keefe and hyping up New South Wales' youngsters.

I love Kerry, but every year he's anointing some New South Wales kid 'the best young player in 30 years'.

From my limited viewing Salzmann looks okay with the bat and hurries up the batsman with his bowling.
He hasn't bowled yet this season so maybe he has an injury.
Seems like it's early to assess him