Australia's Test players will return to the Sheffield Shield in staggered starts over the coming month, chair of selectors George Bailey announced on 9 November 2026. Cricket Australia said the squad for the Test series against New Zealand will be named after this week's round four.
What Was Announced
Bailey set out who will play in which round:
- Round four: Marnus Labuschagne, Michael Neser, Matt Kuhnemann, Beau Webster and Nathan Lyon
- Round five: Alex Carey, Steve Smith, Cooper Connolly, Cameron Green and Josh Inglis
- Scott Boland is to be confirmed for round five
"They're prepping for the Test series clearly there," Bailey said.
Smith has been recovering from the neck injury that kept him out of the final Test in South Africa. Bailey said he would not be signed off medically until he returns to Australia in mid-November. "His plan is he'll return I think around the 14th or 15th of November and be available for Shield (round) five," he said.
Travis Head and Matthew Renshaw have no confirmed Shield return date, with Bailey indicating the pair could be rested. Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood will continue to be rested before the first Test. Bailey also confirmed that Labuschagne will not be considered for the first Test against New Zealand and likely the whole series.
What It Means
Round four begins on Wednesday, with Victoria hosting Western Australia at the MCG, New South Wales playing South Australia and Queensland taking on Tasmania. Round five starts on 22 November, headlined by New South Wales against Queensland.
The first Test against New Zealand is at Perth Stadium on 9 December. Cricket Australia said Australia then go to India for five Tests before returning for the 150th Anniversary Test against England in March.
Source: Cricket Australia report.