Smith, Starc set to feature in second round of Sheffield Shield

Australian stars Steven Smith and Mitchell Starc have been named in New South Wales’ (NSW) squad for their game against Victoria in the Sheffield Shield at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, starting on October 20 (Sunday).

Fast-bowling all-rounder Sean Abbott will also be available after missing the first round due to a minor injury he picked up during the tour of England. Nathan Lyon, who claimed eight wickets in the first game against South Australia, will also be part of the XI.

Meanwhile, Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood won’t be available for Sheffield Shield but are likely to feature in the One-Day Cup fixture at Junction Oval on October 25. 

The two are also part of Australia's squad for the three-match ODI series against Pakistan, starting on November 4. Therefore, it's highly unlikely they will play any red-ball cricket before the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

Starc last played a Sheffield Shield game during the 2020-21 season, while Smith hasn’t played red-ball cricket for NSW since March 2021. 

Meanwhile, Victoria will have the services of Scott Boland, who will be making his return from an injury. The right-arm seamer last played a competitive game in April. 

Sam Konstas, who slammed twin tons in the first round and has also been picked in the Australia A squad for the India A series, is also part of the Victorian set-up. 

New South Wales squad: Sean Abbott, Jackson Bird, Ollie Davies, Jack Edwards, Moises Henriques, Sam Konstas, Nathan Lyon, Nic Maddinson, Jack Nisbet, Josh Philippe, Tanveer Sangha, Steven Smith, Mitchell Starc

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