South Australia begin their 2026-27 domestic campaign aiming for a third consecutive Sheffield Shield title after adding former Test opener Jake Weatherald and Matthew Gilkes to an already formidable squad.
Head coach Ryan Harris has instructed the reigning champions to ignore their historic ambitions and focus on the immediate schedule, opening with the One-Day Cup on 18 September.
“We want to win three in a row. We want to win the one-day trophy,” Harris said, speaking to cricket.com.au. “But by doing that, you’ve got to stay in the present. Make sure you play every ball, bowl every ball. In that moment, be the best you can be.”
Internal Selection Headaches Emerge
Weatherald returns to Adelaide after three seasons with Tasmania, looking to reclaim his place in the Australian Test setup. He is joined by former New South Wales wicketkeeper Gilkes, signed specifically to apply pressure on established gloveman Harry Nielsen.
The depth extends to their rookie list, with 22-year-old Douwtjie Hoogenboezem positioned for an early-season debut while senior players like Alex Carey and Travis Head fulfill international duties. Left-arm fast bowler Campbell Thompson has also secured a full-time state contract after taking an eight-wicket haul against Bangladesh in Darwin.
South Australia open their Sheffield Shield defence on 7 October.
