South Australia coach Ryan Harris says his side is embracing the challenge of defending its Sheffield Shield title once again as preparations ramp up for the 2026/27 domestic season.
Fresh from back-to-back Sheffield Shield final wins, including last season's memorable victory over Victoria in the final, Harris said the group has taken confidence from winning away from home and is eager to continue building on recent success.
“It was pretty sweet,” Harris said.
“The last couple of years have been outstanding for us. To win after such a long time, obviously the drought break was amazing, [but] to have to go to Victoria last year and win away from home… to have that under our belts as well is another tick for our group and onwards and upwards for next season now.”
Cricket Australia’s domestic fixture release has mapped out South Australia’s start to the new season. The team opens its One-Day Cup campaign on the road against Western Australia before returning home to face Tasmania at Karen Rolton Oval on September 23.
Attention then turns to the Sheffield Shield, with South Australia beginning its red-ball campaign against Victoria at Junction Oval on October 7 in a rematch of last season’s final.
Harris said the release of the fixture has allowed players and staff to renew focus.
“It’s nice to actually have the fixture out now and put the planning in place and for the players to as well” he said.
“Kick-off with the One-Day trophy, that’s probably the one thing we let ourselves down in last year. We want to make sure we’re trying to get that back this year as well”
“Then, the return to the scene of the crime… which is obviously a big game. Whenever South Australia and Victoria play it’s always a huge game, so looking forward to that and it’s going to be another big season for us”.
South Australia has also strengthened its playing list, welcoming Jake Weatherald back to the squad, alongside other key recruits, including Matthew Gilkes from New South Wales.
“Having Jake back is a huge bonus for us,” Harris said.
“On the flip side of that, we probably don’t want to see him too much because we want him playing for Australia as well. But when there is an opportunity to get him back at the top of the order, amazing. He’s such a damaging player”.
“We’ve also brought in Matthew Gilkes from New South Wales… he’s played 30 odd games for New South Wales. We felt as though from afar, he’s got a lot of talent and can help us through in potentially the middle order, or the top order.”
“We’ve definitely strengthened our squad”
Harris also believes South Australia’s bowling attack can once again be a major weapon if the group can stay healthy throughout the season.
“I think we’ve got one of the better bowling line ups going around. So if we can keep everyone fit then, as I’ve said to the players, if we make enough runs, the teams aren’t going to be able to chase them, because we’re going to be bowling them out”.
South Australia’s full domestic fixture can be viewed HERE.