Steve Smith and Mitchell Starc will play their first Sheffield Shield matches in more than three years as NSW named a trio of Test stars for their blockbuster round two clash against Victoria.

Steven Smith and Mitchell Starc will play for New South Wales against Victoria in the Sheffield Shield at the MCG from Sunday as they ramp up preparations for the international summer. Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood won't feature in the Shield contest but are in line to play the One-Day Cup fixture at Junction Oval on October 25.

Steve Smith has confirmed that he will no longer play as an opener in Test cricket for Australia. The right-handed batter will bat at his favourite slot, No. four, during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

SYDNEY: Australian Test stars Steven Smith and Mitchell Starc will play their first Sheffield Shield matches in more than three years as the duo have been included in a 13-player New Soth Wales squad for the second round of the 2024/25 Sheffield Shield against Victoria at the MCG on Sunday.

New South Wales have confirmed Mitchell Starc and Steve Smith will join Nathan Lyon in their side to face Victoria in a blockbuster clash at the MCG. Mitch Marsh, Marnus Labuschagne and Alex Carey are others expected to be named for the round of matches beginning Sunday.