The Sheffield Shield heads west for a key contest between Western Australia and South Australia at the historic Western Australia Cricket Association (WACA) Ground, Perth on 28th October. The match begins at 08:00 IST (converted from the UK start time of 02:30). With both teams keen to assert dominance early in the season, expect a classic red-ball battle featuring pace, bounce, and tactical grit on one of Australia’s liveliest surfaces.
Form Guide
Western Australia
Western Australia continue to set the benchmark in domestic cricket, blending consistency with aggression. Their top order has been prolific, and their pace attack remains the envy of the competition. At the WACA, they thrive on the extra pace and carry, often overwhelming visiting teams with relentless accuracy. With a settled core and several players pushing for national honours, WA will once again start as firm favourites at home.
- Dominant home record on fast, bouncy WACA pitches.
- Top-order batters consistently posting 300+ totals in first innings.
- Pace attack led by international-quality bowlers adept at exploiting home conditions.
South Australia
South Australia enter this fixture as underdogs but with growing confidence. Their young squad has shown improvement in batting temperament and bowling consistency, though their ability to handle the WACA’s bounce will be tested. The Redbacks’ recent performances suggest better resilience, but converting starts into big partnerships remains their challenge. They’ll need early wickets and tight bowling to unsettle WA’s seasoned lineup.
- Developing side showing signs of stability through their middle order.
- Fast bowlers gaining rhythm, though execution at the WACA will be critical.
- Must improve in converting top-order starts into significant contributions.
Key Players
Western Australia
- Cameron Bancroft – Rock-solid opener whose technique and patience are ideal for navigating WACA’s bounce.
- Aaron Hardie – Dynamic all-rounder who balances the side with steady batting and wicket-taking seam bowling.
- Jhye Richardson – Express quick with lethal pace and movement; a major threat in home conditions.
South Australia
- Jake Lehmann – Experienced middle-order batter capable of rebuilding under pressure and countering pace with deft touch.
- Nathan McSweeney – Captain and consistent performer who combines leadership with composed batting displays.
- Wes Agar – Tall seamer with extra bounce and aggression; key to breaking through WA’s strong top order.
Pitch and Weather Conditions
The WACA remains one of the quickest and bounciest tracks in the world. Seamers will relish the early morning movement and lift off the surface, while batters who play late and under their eyes can still score freely once settled. The surface tends to ease on day two and three, before offering variable bounce later in the match. The weather forecast indicates clear, sunny skies with temperatures around 27°C and minimal wind — ideal conditions for cricket. Expect first-innings totals between 300–350, with the new ball dictating the early exchanges.
Western Australia vs South Australia – Prediction
Western Australia’s strength in depth and familiarity with WACA conditions make them strong favourites. If Cameron Bancroft provides stability and Jhye Richardson strikes early, the hosts should dominate proceedings. South Australia’s hopes hinge on Jake Lehmann and Nathan McSweeney countering WA’s fast-bowling barrage while Wes Agar finds rhythm with the new ball. Expect a competitive first couple of days, but WA’s superior pace attack and batting depth should secure them another home victory.
Dream 11 Fantasy Picks
- Cameron Bancroft – Reliable opener with a proven record at the WACA; ideal fantasy captain option.
- Jhye Richardson – Strike bowler with wicket-taking potential in both innings; must-have pick.
- Jake Lehmann – Technically sound batter who can anchor South Australia’s innings and add steady fantasy points.
