As Australia gears up for the much-anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Test specialists Marnus Labuschagne and Usman Khawaja have been named in Queensland’s squad for the opening round of the Sheffield Shield.

 Their preparation kicks off with a fixture against Western Australia at the WACA Ground, Perth, starting October 8. With no international fixtures currently scheduled, the duo is seizing the opportunity to sharpen their form in the domestic competition ahead of Australia’s series against India, set to begin on November 22.

Labuschagne and Khawaja are critical to Australia's ambitions, and their participation in the Sheffield Shield will help them to develop their talents ahead of the highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar series. 

However, recent reports reveal that Australia's ace batter Steve Smith will be rested for New South Wales in the first round. His place in the Test team is safe, although arguments about his batting position remain.

In addition to Smith, fast bowlers Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood will also be rested for New South Wales’ opening match against South Australia. Meanwhile, South Australia is expected to have both Travis Head and Alex Carey in their lineup. The pair recently returned from Australia’s white-ball tour of England and are eager to make their mark in the domestic tournament.

Victoria’s star all-rounder Glenn Maxwell is set to miss the first round of the Sheffield Shield but is expected to return for the second-round clash against New South Wales. Cameron Green, another key Australian all-rounder, will sit out Western Australia’s opening match due to ongoing recovery from a back injury.

Sheffield Shield, Round One Fixtures (Oct 8-11):

- New South Wales vs. South Australia, Cricket Central, Sydney

- Victoria vs. Tasmania, Junction Oval, Melbourne

- Western Australia vs. Queensland, WACA

Ground, Perth