After Tasmania's 2-0 start to the One Day Cup last week, the Tigers return to Australian domestic cricket action over the weekend with game one of the Sheffield Shield 2025-26 Season getting underway.
The Tigers take on the Queensland Bulls at Allan Border Field starting on Saturday, in a match that features several players that are pushing for higher honours and a potential Ashes selection.
One of those players is reigning Ricky Ponting Medalist Jake Weatherald, whose 906 runs in the Shield last season helped get Tasmania close to their first Shield Final since 2012-13, only finishing one win outside of the top two.
Named in the squad for his first game for Tasmania in two seasons is the state's most prolific fast-bowler Jackson Bird, who made his return to the Tigers at the beginning of the 2025-26 off-season to bolster their fast bowling stocks.
Potentially making his debut for the state is Indian born leg-spinning all-rounder Nikhil Chaudhary, who made his One Day Cup debut for Tasmania against NSW earlier in the season, and will be presented with Cap #216, if selected on Saturday.
Also returning from a calf injury, which kept him out of pre-season matches, is experienced wicket-keeper Jake Doran.
Unavailable for this match due to Australian duties are Mitch Owen and Matt Kuhnemann, who are both playing against New Zealand in a T20 series over the weekend.
Tasmania's 13-man squad for their match against Queensland is as follows:
- Gabe Bell
- Jackson Bird
- Nikhil Chaudhary
- Jake Doran
- Kieran Elliott
- Bradley Hope
- Caleb Jewell
- Riley Meredith
- Nivethan Radhakrishnan
- Jordan Silk (c)
- Tim Ward
- Jake Weatherald
- Beau Webster
MATCH DETAILS
Queensland Bulls vs Tasmanian Tigers
Saturday 4 October - Tuesday 7 October 2025
Allan Border Field, Brisbane
First ball: 10:00 am (AEST) | Day 2/3/4 Start Time: 11.00 am (AEDT)
Broadcast: Kayo Sports & cricket.com.au