Sheffield Shield 2025-26: Everything You Need to Know
The Sheffield Shield, Australia's premier domestic cricket competition, returns for its 124th edition on Saturday, October 4, 2025. Six state teams will compete for the title, with the final scheduled for March 26–30, 2026. Matches will be held across 10 venues, and South Australia enters as the defending champion.
Season Overview and Key Fixtures
The 2025-26 Sheffield Shield season will feature 31 matches played in a home-and-away format. Cricket fans can look forward to games at iconic grounds like the MCG, SCG, Adelaide Oval, WACA Ground, and The Gabba.
- Opening Round (October 4–7, 2025):
- Queensland Bulls vs Tasmanian Tigers — Allan Border Field, Brisbane
- South Australia vs Victoria — Adelaide Oval, Adelaide
- Western Australia vs NSW — WACA Ground, Perth
- Round 2 (October 15–18, 2025): South Australia vs Queensland Bulls
- Round 3 (October 28–31, 2025): Victoria vs Tasmanian Tigers
- Round 4 (November 10–13, 2025): NSW vs Victoria
- Final (March 26–30, 2026): Venue to be confirmed
Where to Watch and Attend
Every Sheffield Shield match will be live-streamed on Kayo Sports, cricket.com.au, and the CA Live app. In addition, Fox Cricket will broadcast one match in each of the first four rounds, as well as the final. For those wishing to attend in person, entry to games varies by location.
- Free entry: NSW, Queensland, Tasmania (home games), and Karen Rolton Oval (SA).
- Ticketed: Adelaide Oval (SA), WACA Ground (WA), Junction Oval and MCG (VIC).
Players to Watch in the 2025-26 Season
Several key players will be ones to watch as the season unfolds, including those vying for selection for the upcoming Ashes series. Keep an eye on emerging talents and established stars alike.
- Sam Konstas (NSW): Incumbent Test opener looking to retain his spot.
- Michael Neser (Queensland): Veteran paceman aiming for a Test recall.
- Nathan McAndrew (South Australia): Consistent performer with bat and ball.
- Jake Weatherald (Tasmania): Leading run-scorer from last season seeking higher honours.
- Fergus O'Neill (Victoria): Dominant seamer with county cricket experience.
- Cameron Green (Western Australia): Returning all-rounder prioritizing bowling fitness for the Ashes.
New Rules: Injury Substitutes
A new rule regarding injury substitutes will be trialled in the first five Sheffield Shield rounds. Teams can replace an injured player up until stumps on day two, with the opposing team then permitted a tactical substitution in response. The replacement must be like-for-like, and the injured player will serve a 12-day standdown period.
The History and Significance of the Sheffield Shield
The Sheffield Shield boasts a rich history, dating back to 1891. The trophy itself, crafted by Phillip Blashki, is a work of art comprising over 150 components. Victoria was the first state awarded the Shield, and since 1982-83, a final between the top two teams has determined the winner.
Sheffield Shield Champions and Teams
NSW leads the way with 47 Shield titles, followed by Victoria with 32, and Western Australia with 18. South Australia ended a 29-year drought last season, winning their 14th title. Queensland and Tasmania have also tasted success, adding to the competition's storied legacy.
How to Follow the Sheffield Shield
Stay updated on all the Sheffield Shield action through live scores, news, interviews, and highlights on cricket.com.au and the CA Live app. Catch replays of every wicket in the match centre on the CA Live app.
Rapid Stats from the 2024-25 Season
- South Australia recorded the best collective batting average (33.1) and strike rate (54.6).
- Michael Neser (Queensland) induced a false shot on 26.7% of his balls bowled.
- Tasmania (87%) and Queensland (86.5%) had the best catch success rates.
- Western Australia (79.2%) and NSW (77.5%) had the best bowling dot ball rates using pace.
- Sam Whiteman (WA) and Josh Inglis (WA) recorded the best batting strike rates against spin.
- Kurtis Patterson (NSW) scored 280 runs from singles.
Sheffield Shield Points System
Teams earn six points for an outright win and one point for a draw. Bonus points are awarded for runs scored over 200 in the first 100 overs of the first innings (0.01 per run) and for wickets taken in the first 100 overs of the opponent's first innings (0.1 per wicket).
The Sheffield Shield promises another exciting season of First-Class cricket in Australia. With key players vying for selection, new rules being trialed, and a rich history to uphold, the competition is set to captivate cricket fans across the nation and beyond.
