The Shield gets back underway today, with significant games again taking place across the four days.
After big results last week including Queensland chasing down 471 and Victoria losing by an innings and 48 runs, both sides have considerable changes coming in and out of their line-ups.
Tasmania versus Queensland
The Bulls will fly south to play fifth-placed Tasmania at Blundestone Arena.
After the miracle on grass last week, the Bulls will be without their gun number three, Usman Khawaja, who has had problems pulling up for this week’s game and has been omitted from the line-up.
Khawaja was clearly the man of the match in the last game against the Redbacks, but James Hopes, Chris Hartley and Joe Burns were all other notable performers.
For the Tigers, their season is all but over, however they can hurt the Bulls’ finals aspirations with a big win here in Tasmania.
The Tigers lost a hard-fought battle against the Warriors last week due to a classy second innings run chase built around Marcus North.
In short, a huge game for the Bulls, who need to step up without the services of Khawaja.
South Australia versus Victoria
Victoria had the game from hell last week in Sydney. They start again in Adelaide and have they dropped the axe or what!
Rob Quiney, Michael Hill, Jon Holland, Fawad Ahmed and debutant Jake Reed have all been named in the Bushrangers squad. Sitting currently in last position, the Bushrangers can only play for pride now in their final three remaining Shield matches.
Their season was probably summed up last week in the deplorable loss to the Blues. Glenn Maxwell was the only highlight for them in the game, his consistent form with the bat in the longer form of the game now a sign of his maturity and is exciting for cricket followers.
The Redbacks will be out to regain top spot on the ladder, after they are now second on net run rate.
At home they will be hard to beat, however the Redbacks have choked before.
Any points in this game for them should almost cement them a finals spot.
Western Australia versus NSW
The last match of the day and arguably the most thrilling will be when the now-top of the table Blues are the visitors up against the confident Warriors.
Building on from his Big Bash success, Marcus North remains dominant for the Warriors, while for NSW it was a strong bowling performance in both innings last week that set up a big victory.
This is a huge game for the Warriors and a win here could bring them up into the top two, depending on the result down at Adelaide Oval. The Blues can become outright top with a win at the WACA and this promises to be a hardly contested match between two competitive sides.
Ashton Agar will make his return to the Shield side this week after missing cricket through injury. Agar, who was so famous for his innings in the first Test in England, will look to play a pivotal role come day four and five in the Test match.
In recap, the Bulls and Warriors will be desperate for wins to keep their faint chances alive, while wins for Redbacks and Blues would all but cement the two teams’ chances of playing each other in the final.
For Victoria and Tasmania there isn’t much on offer, but the inclusion of Jake Reed for Victoria is pleasing to see, as the Bushrangers continue to show to the Shield their young talent.
Most on the line this week has to be for the Warriors – they can give themselves a real shot at the final with a win against the top team in their fixture at the WACA.
AREH
Roar Guru
Yeah very noticeable, Carters been in the runs and making them for fun. Say in 12 months time he is still scoring like this, and earns a national place, where does he bat?
Rellum
Roar Guru
Haven't had a chance to see any of the game today. Vey disappointing. But we can't expect pull out miracle comebacks every week. We need to get a good first innings score which has been a big hurdle this year. The batting has been shocking in this game apart from Burns.
jameswm
Guest
Seen the score? All out 149? 7 for 53 at one stage. Ouch. Rainbird 7 for the match (Hilfy 6). Behrendorff doing the best of the unknowns though.
Rellum
Roar Guru
I see Maxwell sees nothing wrong with how he got out. He doesn't get that the game situation required him to push on and reign in his overly risky shots. He was doing just fine with how he was playing. Getting dropped playing the same shot should have singled something to him. He has talent, he just needs to get some smarts in his game. You only get that from learning mistakes and playing in lots of games so hopefully he will improve. If Steve Smith can do it so can Maxwell.
jamesb
Guest
I reckon Burns will replace Rogers after the SA tour.
davros
Guest
Maxwell dropped in the 70's by head in a skier that should have been taken
Rob JM
Guest
Carters got his third ton from 6 matches. Average of 67 and can keep. Hoping the selectors are paying attention.
LewyC
Guest
I was just thinking the same thing, Rellum. It'd be a monumental effort, but a couple of good knocks from Forrest, Pomers or Michael and this is definitely game on.
Rellum
Roar Guru
Never wright-off the bulls.
jameswm
Guest
Maxwell proving he has ability but a way to go mentally. No surprises there.
jameswm
Guest
Maxwell has scored runs the last two games, that's for sure. And three-for last innings. Whiteman and Carters, the two young keeper batsmen, both in the runs. Cutting and Ali McDermott both did well - where is Silk? Injured? Burns pushing ahead in that battle (for Rogers' spot). Tough for Hughes when he isn't playing. They should send him back to Aust to play the next Shield game.
JGK
Roar Guru
And out in the second over of the second innings!
Rellum
Roar Guru
Well done to Joey Burns batting through the innings. Getting his form up. Maxwell played well then threw his wicket away with a terrible shot.
JGK
Roar Guru
Glenn Maxwell's form continues to be brilliant... And well done to Hilfenhaus on his hat trick.
Lachlan Doyle
Roar Pro
C'mon WA!!!
Disco
Guest
Um, the matches started two days ago!
Rellum
Roar Guru
So the SA v VIC stream has commentators and the TAS v QLD has no picture. One step forward, two steps back.
DUNCAN
Guest
Exellent to see the shield get some coverage at last. Will be at the Bulls match at the Gabba in two weeks. Should be a good day for cricket
Ducko
Guest
Victoria continues to show us their young talent? Let's hope they give him more than one game,then.
LewyC
Guest
Good on you for paying attention to the shield, Will. It would be great if one of the Experts would write a daily wrap of the shield games for discussion too!