Sheffield Shield 2025-26: Match Preview – Western Australia vs South Australia

Date: 28 October 2025
Time: 02:30 GMT
Venue: WACA Ground, Perth

The upcoming clash between Western Australia and South Australia in the 9th match of the Sheffield Shield 2025-26 season promises to be a thrilling encounter between two strong state sides with contrasting styles and recent form.

Recent Form and Head-to-Head

Western Australia have had a mixed start to the season. In their most recent match, they were defeated by New South Wales in a low-scoring contest at the WACA Ground. The hosts managed just 161 and 156, with New South Wales capitalizing on the poor batting performance to secure a 74-run victory. However, Western Australia showed glimpses of their potential, with Cameron Bancroft and Josh Inglis contributing valuable runs, and Brody Couch offering control with the ball.

On the other hand, South Australia have been in excellent form this season. They recently edged out Queensland in Adelaide, with a dominant performance in the first innings (398/10) and a tight chase in the second. Captain Jason Sangha has been in imperious form with the bat, while paceman Lloyd Pope and spinner Nathan McAndrew have been instrumental with the ball. South Australia’s ability to chase well under pressure will be a key factor in this match.

Team Strengths and Key Players

Western Australia

• Cameron Bancroft: The experienced opener has been a consistent performer for WA, anchoring the innings and setting the tone for the middle order.
• Josh Inglis: A dynamic middle-order batter with a flair for scoring quickly, Inglis could be crucial in breaking partnerships.
• Brody Couch: The leg-spinner has shown his class with tight lines and the ability to pick up wickets in crucial moments.

South Australia

• Jason Sangha: The captain has been in scintillating form this season and is a key batter for SA. His leadership and technical proficiency make him a real threat.
• Lloyd Pope: The seamer has been a standout performer, exploiting the WACA's conditions well with his ability to swing the ball.
• Nathan McAndrew: A reliable off-spinner, McAndrew has been a consistent wicket-taker and will be key if the pitch offers turn.

WACA Ground Conditions

The WACA Ground is a bowler-friendly venue, especially for fast bowlers. The pitch tends to assist seam early in the game, but it can flatten out as the match progresses. With the weather in Perth generally warm and dry, seam movement could be a key factor, particularly for South Australia’s seam attack.

Match Preview

This match is expected to be a closely fought battle between two evenly matched teams. Western Australia will be eager to bounce back from their defeat to New South Wales and take advantage of home conditions. South Australia, however, will be looking to continue their strong form and assert dominance on this surface.

The key to the match will likely lie in the opening exchanges. If South Australia can exploit the early swing and break through Western Australia’s top order, they could set the tone for the rest of the game. Conversely, if WA’s batters can weather the initial spell and build a solid first-innings total, they could put SA under pressure in the second innings.

The spin department could also play a crucial role, especially if the pitch offers assistance in the later stages. Both teams have quality spinners, and the battle between McAndrew and Couch could be a fascinating subplot.

Prediction

While Western Australia have the advantage of home conditions, South Australia’s recent form and strong seam attack give them an edge. However, in a format like first-class cricket, anything can happen over four days. A draw seems plausible, but if one team is to win, it may be South Australia if they can strike early and maintain pressure.

Prediction: South Australia to win or match drawn.

Final Lineup Predictions

Western Australia (Probable XI):
Ashton Turner (c), Cameron Bancroft, Josh Inglis, Brody Couch, Tom Banton, Aaron Bird, Sam Neill, Harry Conway, Nathan McSweeney, Josh Lalor, Mitchell Marsh

South Australia (Probable XI):
Jason Sangha (c), Nathan McSweeney, Nathan McAndrew, Usman Khawaja, Matthew Short, James Pattinson, Lloyd Pope, Peter Siddle, Callum Ferguson, Will Sutherland, Mark Cosgrove

Stay tuned for updates as the match approaches, and don’t miss the action on October 28 at the WACA Ground.
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