The West End Redbacks have backed a mix of experience and youth in their 12-man squad for the opening Bupa Sheffield Shield match of the season, beginning Friday 31 October against the my FootDr Queensland Bulls at Adelaide Oval.
Andrew McDonald made a strong return from injury in the final Matador One-Day Cup match against Tasmania and will be looking to lead with the bat in his third Shield appearance for South Australia.
The West End Redbacks batting line-up will also include young guns Travis Head and Sam Raphael, as well as experienced campaigners Callum Ferguson, Tom Cooper and Mark Cosgrove, who will return to Adelaide Oval as a Redback for the first time in three seasons.
Adam Zampa will be full of confidence following promising performances in the Matador One-Day Cup and will be looking to carry this form into red-ball cricket. Despite Kane Richardson being unavailable due to Australian commitments, the West End Redbacks have a dangerous pace attack including Chadd Sayers, Gary Putland and Joe Mennie.
In a historic achievement, South Australia will play its 800th Shield match in round one, taking on Queensland which will step over the boundary line for a 700th Shield appearance.
South Australia took part in the inaugural Shield in 1892 and have since recorded 222 wins, 363 losses, 213 draws, one tie and 13 titles.
West End Redbacks vs my FootDr Queensland Bulls
Friday 31 October – Monday 3 November
Adelaide Oval, play begins 10:30am ACST
Live feed including commentary available via www.redbacks.com.au
12-man squad
Johan Botha (C)
Tom Cooper
Mark Cosgrove
Callum Ferguson
Travis Head
Tim Ludeman
Andrew McDonald
Joe Mennie
Gary Putland
Sam Raphael
Chadd Sayers
Adam Zampa