The Sheffield Shield contest between Western Australia and Victoria will be played at the iconic Western Australia Cricket Association Ground, Perth on 16 February. The match is scheduled to begin at 08:00 IST, converted from a 02:30 UK start time, and promises a high-quality red-ball battle at one of Australia’s most demanding venues. With the WACA renowned for pace, bounce, and relentless pressure on batters, this fixture is set to test technique, temperament, and endurance.
Form Guide
Western Australia
Western Australia are traditionally formidable at the WACA, where their fast-bowling resources and disciplined batting approach often give them a decisive edge. Their recent Sheffield Shield performances underline a side comfortable dictating matches through sustained pressure.
- Exceptional home record built around fast bowling.
- Batters accustomed to handling pace and bounce.
- Strong ability to control matches across four days.
Victoria
Victoria arrive with a balanced squad capable of competing strongly in red-ball cricket, though adapting quickly to WACA conditions remains their biggest challenge. Early resilience with the bat will be crucial to staying in the contest.
- Batting line-up with proven first-class experience.
- Seamers capable of long, disciplined spells.
- Need early runs to counter home advantage.
Key Players
Western Australia
- Cameron Bancroft – A patient opener well suited to batting time at the top.
- Hilton Cartwright – A technically sound batter capable of building big innings.
- Lance Morris – A high-pace bowler who thrives on the WACA’s bounce.
Victoria
- Peter Handscomb – An experienced leader and reliable middle-order batter.
- Marcus Harris – An opener capable of providing solid starts.
- Scott Boland – A skilful seamer with accuracy and stamina.
Pitch and Weather Conditions
The WACA Ground is famous for producing one of the quickest pitches in world cricket, offering steep bounce and carry from the opening session. Fast bowlers who hit hard lengths are consistently rewarded, while batters must show sound technique and patience to succeed. As the match progresses, the surface typically flattens slightly, allowing for more fluent stroke play. Weather conditions in Perth are expected to be warm and dry, ideal for uninterrupted four-day cricket.
Western Australia vs Victoria – Prediction
This Sheffield Shield fixture strongly favours Western Australia due to their dominance in home conditions. If Cameron Bancroft anchors the innings and Lance Morris leads an aggressive pace attack, the hosts should be well placed to control proceedings. Victoria will need resilience and leadership from Peter Handscomb and accuracy from Scott Boland to stay competitive. Expect Western Australia to hold the upper hand over the course of the match.
Dream 11 Fantasy Picks
- Lance Morris – High wicket-taking potential at the WACA.
- Cameron Bancroft – Likely to deliver value through time at the crease.
- Scott Boland – Reliable red-ball wicket-taker.
