The Sheffield Shield is Australia’s first-class cricket tournament, and the 2025-26 season of the tournament is starting in October. Each of the six state sides will play across four-day matches, with the top two advancing to the final.
The competition has always been the testing ground for players eyeing a national call-up, especially with Ashes selections on the line.
Last season’s story was South Australia finally breaking a 29-year drought to lift the Shield. Fans can now look forward to another summer of hard-fought cricket, with the full schedule, squads, and streaming options already set.
Let’s take a look at all that and more to enjoy another season of the Sheffield Shield.
About The Sheffield Shield
The Sheffield Shield has been part of Australian cricket for well over a century, first played back in the 1892-93 summer. Few domestic tournaments anywhere in the world carry the same weight of history.
Six state teams line up each year, with New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia, and Tasmania all chasing the prize.
The competition is tough in every sense, with a full home and away season ensuring that each side meets the others twice.
Matches run over four days, but the decider is stretched to five, a true examination of patience, endurance, and skill.
When Will The Sheffield Shield 2025-26 Start?
The 2025-26 Sheffield Shield starts on October 4, 2025. The final is scheduled for late March 2026, specifically March 26-30.
Cricket Australia released the fixture list in July 2025, and here’s what makes this season interesting – several matches are scheduled before the Ashes series begins.
This timing puts extra pressure on players hoping to catch selectors’ attention for the biggest series in cricket.
Sheffield Shield 2025-26 Full Schedule
The complete fixture list shows cricket across Australia from October through March.
| Date | Match No. | Match | Venue | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| October 04, Saturday – October 07, Tuesday | Match 1 | Queensland vs Tasmania | Allan Border Field, Brisbane | 10:00 AM |
| October 04, Saturday – October 07, Tuesday | Match 2 | South Australia vs Victoria | Adelaide Oval, Adelaide | 10:30 AM |
| October 04, Saturday – October 07, Tuesday | Match 3 | Western Australia vs New South Wales | W.A.C.A. Ground, Perth | 10:30 AM |
| October 15, Wednesday – October 18, Saturday | Match 4 | Victoria vs New South Wales | Junction Oval, Melbourne | 10:30 AM |
| October 15, Wednesday – October 18, Saturday | Match 5 | Tasmania vs Western Australia | Bellerive Oval, Hobart | 10:30 AM |
| October 15, Wednesday – October 18, Saturday | Match 6 | South Australia vs Queensland | Adelaide Oval, Adelaide | 10:30 AM |
| October 28, Tuesday – October 31, Friday | Match 7 | Victoria vs Tasmania | Junction Oval, Melbourne | 10:30 AM |
| October 28, Tuesday – October 31, Friday | Match 8 | Queensland vs New South Wales | The Gabba, Brisbane | 10:00 AM |
| October 28, Tuesday – October 31, Friday | Match 9 | Western Australia vs South Australia | W.A.C.A. Ground, Perth | 10:30 AM |
| November 10, Monday – November 13, Thursday | Match 10 | New South Wales vs Victoria | Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney | 10:30 AM |
| November 10, Monday – November 13, Thursday | Match 11 | Tasmania vs South Australia | Bellerive Oval, Hobart | 10:30 AM |
| November 11, Tuesday – November 14, Friday | Match 12 | Western Australia vs Queensland | W.A.C.A. Ground, Perth | 10:30 AM |
| November 22, Saturday – November 25, Tuesday | Match 13 | New South Wales vs Tasmania | Cricket Central, Sydney | 10:30 AM |
| November 22, Saturday – November 25, Tuesday | Match 14 | Queensland vs Victoria | The Gabba, Brisbane | 2:00 PM |
| November 22, Saturday – November 25, Tuesday | Match 15 | South Australia vs Western Australia | Adelaide Oval, Adelaide | 2:30 PM |
| December 04, Thursday – December 07, Sunday | Match 16 | Victoria vs Western Australia | Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne | 10:30 AM |
| December 05, Friday – December 08, Monday | Match 17 | New South Wales vs Queensland | Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney | 10:30 AM |
| December 05, Friday – December 08, Monday | Match 18 | South Australia vs Tasmania | Adelaide Oval, Adelaide | 10:30 AM |
| February 05, Thursday – February 08, Sunday | Match 19 | New South Wales vs South Australia | Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney | 10:30 AM |
| February 05, Thursday – February 08, Sunday | Match 20 | Victoria vs Queensland | Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne | 10:30 AM |
| February 05, Thursday – February 08, Sunday | Match 21 | Western Australia vs Tasmania | W.A.C.A. Ground, Perth | 10:30 AM |
| February 16, Monday – February 19, Thursday | Match 22 | Queensland vs South Australia | The Gabba, Brisbane | 10:00 AM |
| February 16, Monday – February 19, Thursday | Match 23 | Western Australia vs Victoria | W.A.C.A. Ground, Perth | 10:30 AM |
| February 16, Monday – February 19, Thursday | Match 24 | Tasmania vs New South Wales | Bellerive Oval, Hobart | 2:30 PM |
| March 05, Thursday – March 08, Sunday | Match 25 | Tasmania vs Victoria | Bellerive Oval, Hobart | 10:30 AM |
| March 05, Thursday – March 08, Sunday | Match 26 | Queensland vs Western Australia | TBC | 10:30 AM |
| March 05, Thursday – March 08, Sunday | Match 27 | South Australia vs New South Wales | Karen Rolton Oval, Adelaide, South Australia | 10:30 AM |
| March 14, Saturday – March 17, Tuesday | Match 28 | New South Wales vs Western Australia | Cricket Central, Sydney | 10:30 AM |
| March 14, Saturday – March 17, Tuesday | Match 29 | Victoria vs South Australia | Junction Oval, Melbourne | 10:30 AM |
| March 14, Saturday – March 17, Tuesday | Match 30 | Tasmania vs Queensland | Bellerive Oval, Hobart | 10:30 AM |
| March 26, Thursday – March 29, Sunday | Final | TBC vs TBC | TBC | 10:30 AM |
The schedule spreads matches across iconic venues, from the SCG to the WACA, giving every state home advantage at different times.
What Is The Format Of The Sheffield Shield?
The Sheffield Shield is played in a double round-robin, which simply means every team faces the others twice through the season.
Most matches run for four days, but the final is a five-day contest to give both sides the best chance of a result. Points aren’t just handed out for wins or draws, teams can also pick up extras through their batting and bowling efforts.
When all the round games are done, the top two sides meet in the final. It’s a tough format, asking players to stay in form over months of cricket and across very different conditions.
Sheffield Shield 2025-26 – All Teams
Six states will battle for Shield glory, each bringing different strengths and storylines to the competition.
1. Queensland
Queensland heads into the season with a blend of old hands and fresh faces. At the top of the order, Usman Khawaja brings the kind of international pedigree few other sides can match.
Around them, players like Matt Renshaw and Max Bryant give the line-up plenty of domestic steel. The bowling stocks look equally strong.
Michael Neser’s seam, Mitchell Swepson’s spin, and Xavier Bartlett’s pace form a handy mix on Queensland pitches. Skipper Jimmy Peirson will once again juggle the gloves and leadership, a role he’s handled well before.
Add in Mark Steketee and Tom Whitney for more pace, plus Jack Wildermuth as a reliable all-rounder, and the squad looks well-balanced.
They made it all the way to the final last year before falling to South Australia. That defeat still stings, and it’s clear redemption will drive them this summer.
Full Squad:
Lachy Aitken, Tom Balkin, Xavier Bartlett, Max Bryant, Hugo Burdon, Jack Clayton, Lachlan Hearne, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Angus Lovell, Michael Neser, Jimmy Peirson, Jem Ryan, Matthew Renshaw, Gurinder Sandhu, Jack Sinfield, Mark Steketee, Tom Straker, Mitch Swepson, Callum Vidler, Hugh Weibgen, Tom Whitney, Jack Wildermuth
2. Tasmania
Tasmania has long had a reputation for punching above its weight in the Shield, and there’s no reason to think this year will be any different.
Jordan Silk, with the calm head and runs he’s carried over from his New South Wales days, anchors the batting, while Jake Weatherald is there to inject aggression at the top.
Beau Webster remains the Tigers’ key all-rounder, the sort of player who can turn a game with either bat or ball. The bowling attack leans on Jackson Bird’s know-how and Riley Meredith’s sheer pace, with Billy Stanlake back in the mix after his battles with injury.
Tim Ward and Caleb Jewell should give some stability in the order, and Nathan Ellis, better known for his white-ball exploits, adds another string in the longer format. And don’t forget Bellerive Oval, a venue that often gives the Tigers the edge in close contests.
Full Squad:
Marcus Bean, Gabe Bell, Jackson Bird, Iain Carlisle, Nick Davis, Jake Doran, Kieran Elliott, Nathan Ellis, Bradley Hope, Matt Kuhnemann, Caleb Jewell, Raf MacMillan, Riley Meredith, Lawrence Neil-Smith, Aidan O’Connor, Mitch Owen, Will Prestwidge, Nivethan Radhakrishnan, Jordan Silk, Billy Stanlake, Charlie Wakim, Tim Ward, Jake Weatherald, Beau Webster, Mac Wright
3. Victoria
Victoria enters the new season with genuine title aspirations. Marcus Harris, armed with Test-match experience, will be asked to set the tone at the top, while Glenn Maxwell’s return brings that unpredictable spark in the middle order.
Peter Handscomb remains central, offering both leadership and runs, and Sam Harper’s work with the gloves keeps the side balanced.
The attack looks formidable. Scott Boland leads the pace unit, supported by the all-round ability of Will Sutherland. Todd Murphy provides the spin option, and the likes of Mitchell Perry and Xavier Crone add useful depth.
Further backup comes from youngsters Cameron McClure and Fergus O’Neill, giving Victoria plenty of seam choices.
With the MCG and the CitiPower Centre as their home bases, conditions should play in their favor. But, as always in the Shield, it’s consistency over the grind of the season that will decide whether the Vics turn ambition into silverware.
Full Squad:
Austin Anlezark, Liam Blackford, Scott Boland, Dylan Brasher, Ashley Chandrasinghe, Xavier Crone, Harry Dixon, Sam Elliott, Peter Handscomb, Sam Harper, Marcus Harris, Campbell Kellaway, Jai Lemire, Blake Macdonald, Glenn Maxwell, Cam McClure, David Moody, Todd Murphy, Fergus O’Neill, Oliver Peake, Tyler Pearson, Mitch Perry, Tom Rogers, Matt Short, Callum Stow, Will Sutherland, Doug Warren
4. Western Australia
Western Australia heads into 2025–26 with as much firepower as any side in the competition.
At the top, Cameron Bancroft and Ashton Turner bring plenty of experience, while the luxury of calling on Cameron Green and Mitchell Marsh, whenever international duties allow, adds real quality to the middle order.
Hilton Cartwright offers stability there, too, and Josh Inglis continues to provide energy and runs with the gloves.
The pace of stocks is typically strong. Jhye Richardson spearheads the attack, with Lance Morris and Joel Paris offering different styles of support. Aaron Hardie’s all-round ability is invaluable, and Corey Rocchiccioli takes care of the spin department.
At home, the WACA Ground is still their biggest weapon, giving their quicks the kind of bounce and carry few batters relish.
And with youngsters Jayden Goodwin and Teague Wyllie coming through, WA also has an eye on the future.
Full Squad:
Cameron Bancroft, Mahli Beardman, Simon Budge, Hilton Cartwright, Cooper Connolly, Brody Couch, Keaton Critchell, Joel Curtis, Albert Esterhuysen, Sam Fanning, Cameron Gannon, Cameron Green, Jayden Goodwin, Aaron Hardie, Liam Haskett, Baxter Holt, Josh Inglis, Bryce Jackson, Matthew Kelly, Mitch Marsh, Lance Morris, Joel Paris, Jhye Richardson, Jordan Quiggin, Corey Rocchiccioli, Ashton Turner, Sam Whiteman, Teague Wyllie.
5. South Australia
South Australia begins the new campaign as defending champions after last year’s long-awaited breakthrough. Travis Head, when available, remains the star of the batting unit, while Nathan McSweeney has become a steady presence at the top.
Around them, Jake Fraser-McGurk brings the fireworks, Alex Carey offers runs and reliability with the gloves, and Henry Hunt and Jason Sangha help round out a well-stocked order.
With the ball, Spencer Johnson’s pace is the headline act, backed up by Brendan Doggett and Henry Thornton. Lloyd Pope takes charge of spin, and Wes Agar adds depth as an all-rounder.
Breaking a 29-year drought gave South Australia belief, but defending a title carries its own challenges. Depth players like Conor McInerney and Jake Lehmann may well prove vital across the grind of another season.
Full Squad:
Wes Agar, Jordan Buckingham, Aidan Cahill, Alex Carey, Brendan Doggett, Daniel Drew, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Mackenzie Harvey, Travis Head, Douwtjie Hoogenboezem, Henry Hunt, Hanno Jacobs, Spencer Johnson, Thomas Kelly, Jake Lehmann, Ben Manenti, Harry Matthias, Nathan McAndrew, Conor McInerney, Nathan McSweeney, Harry Nielsen, Lloyd Pope, Jason Sangha, Liam Scott, Campbell Thompson, Henry Thornton
6. New South Wales
New South Wales once again looks stacked on paper, boasting a squad that most other states can only envy. When available, Steve Smith headlines the batting, with Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood offering rare star power.
Youngster Sam Konstas is one to watch. Josh Philippe adds spark with the bat and covers the gloves.
The bowling attack, at full strength, is as good as it gets. Mitchell Starc, Cummins, Hazlewood, and Nathan Lyon together form a fearsome quartet. Add in Sean Abbott and Ben Dwarshuis for extra pace, and the options look endless.
The real test for NSW, as always, will be availability. International duties regularly strip the side of its biggest names, and that can turn a dominant squad on paper into a far more vulnerable Shield outfit.
Full Squad:
Sean Abbott, Charlie Anderson, Pat Cummins, Joel Davies, Oliver Davies, Ben Dwarshuis, Jack Edwards, Matt Gilkes, Ryan Hadley, Liam Hatcher, Josh Hazlewood, Ryan Hicks, Riley Kingsell, Sam Konstas, Nathan Lyon, Nic Maddinson, Blake Nikitaras, Jack Nisbet, Kurtis Patterson, Josh Philippe, William Salzmann, Tanveer Sangha, Jake Scott, Lachlan Shaw, Steven Smith, Mitchell Starc, Charlie Stobo, Chris Tremain, Adam Zampa
Each team brings different strengths and stories to the competition, making the 2025-26 Shield season unpredictable and exciting.
A Look At Sheffield Shield 2024-25
South Australia’s triumph in 2024-25 was cricket’s perfect underdog story. They won their first Shield since 1996, beating Queensland in a final that had drama, individual brilliance, and team character under pressure.
Source: Cricket Australia
Jason Sangha and Alex Carey’s partnership in the final became the defining moment, showing how experience and youth can combine when it matters most.
The final itself had to be moved to Karen Rolton Oval due to Adelaide Oval being unavailable, but that didn’t dampen SA’s celebrations.
Their victory ended a 29-year drought that weighed heavily on South Australian cricket. Queensland, despite reaching the final, couldn’t quite get over the line after a strong season where they consistently performed well in home conditions.
Queensland’s path to the final showed its resilience, while SA’s journey proved that patience and building through domestic cricket still works.
Sheffield Shield Winners In The Past 10 Years
Recent Shield winners show how competitive the tournament remains, with no single state dominating.
Please find the completed table for the last 10 years of the Sheffield Shield below.
| Season | Champion | Runner-Up |
|---|---|---|
| 2024-25 | South Australia | Queensland |
| 2023-24 | Western Australia | Tasmania |
| 2022-23 | Western Australia | Victoria |
| 2021-22 | Western Australia | Victoria |
| 2020-21 | Queensland | New South Wales |
| 2019-20 | New South Wales | Victoria |
| 2018-19 | Victoria | New South Wales |
| 2017-18 | Queensland | Tasmania |
| 2016-17 | Victoria | South Australia |
| 2015-16 | Victoria | South Australia |
| 2014-15 | Victoria | Western Australia |
This recent history shows the Shield’s unpredictability. Queensland’s 2020-21 win proved that smaller states can succeed with the right combination of players and planning.
Western Australia’s three-year triumph in 2021-22, 2022-23, and 2023-24 came from squad depth and consistency across the long seasons.
South Australia’s 2024-25 breakthrough was the culmination of years of building and believing they could compete with the traditional powers.
The variety of winners shows that any team can claim the title with the right preparation and a bit of luck when it counts.
How To Watch The Sheffield Shield 2025-26?
Cricket Australia broadcasts all Sheffield Shield matches through Cricket Australia Live and the official CA website.
Kayo Sports streams key fixtures throughout the season, while selected matches appear on Fox Cricket for television viewers.
Score-by-score updates are available through ESPNcricinfo and individual state cricket apps. Social media coverage from Cricket Australia and state associations provides highlights and key moments throughout each day’s play.
Related Reads:
Conclusion: Sheffield Shield 2025-26 Is On Track
The Sheffield Shield returns as the major backbone of the Australian cricket summer, providing the foundation on which everything else is built.
South Australia enters as defending champions, but every state believes it can dethrone the reigning titleholders. The early rounds scheduled before the Ashes series will ramp up intrigue, as players know selectors are watching every innings closely.
Cricket fans expect high-quality red-ball cricket, the emergence of new stars, and thrilling finishes that only four-day cricket can provide.
With international players available for parts of the season and hungry domestic cricketers looking to make their mark, the 2025-26 Sheffield Shield promises to deliver everything that makes Australian domestic cricket special.
The stage is set for another memorable season where reputations will be made and titles will be won.
FAQs
South Australia defeated Queensland Bulls in the final, ending their 29-year championship drought.
Six state teams compete: NSW, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia, and Tasmania.
The season starts October 4, 2025, and concludes with the final on March 26, 2026.
Double round-robin format with each team playing every other team twice, followed by a final.
Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Travis Head, Pat Cummins, and the defending champions’ key performers.
