The WA Men's team is exactly halfway through its 2025-26 Sheffield Shield campaign, with one red ball game remaining, against Victoria at the MCG, before the KFC Big Bash League break.
Sheffield Shield: State of Play at Halfway Mark
After narrowly missing out on the 2024-25 Sheffield Shield Final, the WA set its sights on returning to domestic cricket’s showpiece event in season 2025-26.
The start to the season has seen some mixed results, but reinforced the side is still able to match it with any opposition.
WA found itself in a winning position before falling short in the opening game of the season against New South Wales.
A heartbreaking three-run loss in the second game against Tasmania meant the team was on the back foot ahead of two home games against South Australia and Queensland.
While the clash with defending champions South Australia at the WACA ended in a draw, a first innings century to Cameron Bancroft was one of several reasons the side could be optimistic heading into the middle part of the season.
The home game against Queensland was not only significant for several Test players getting one final chance to prepare for the NRMA Insurance West Test, but it also doubled as captain Sam Whiteman’s 100th Sheffield Shield game.
It was only fitting Whiteman’s 81 in the second innings run chase put his side on the way to it’s first win of the season. Whiteman was well supported by Cameron Green’s first innings 94 and Corey Rocchiccioli’s five-wicket haul in the second innings and match-winning runs.
The recent pink-ball encounter with South Australia in Adelaide also finished in a draw, despite a strong performance with the bat by Jayden Goodwin, Hilton Cartwright and Cooper Connolly.
Prolific opener Bancroft leads the squad for runs scored with 363 at 36.30 ahead of Hilton Cartwright (270 at 27) and Aaron Hardie (248 at 35.28).
Pace bowler Matt Kelly, meanwhile, has performed remarkably well upon his return to regular senior cricket after several injury-riddled seasons.
Kelly is currently the competition's top wicket-taker with 21 at 19.33 from four matches, with fellow WA quick Cameron Gannon (19 at 26.63) hot on his tale.
There has also been plenty of reason for optimism from WA’s One-Day Cup campaign, despite registering one win to date.
Teague Wyllie’s made a half-century on debut against Tasmania, while young fast bowler Albert Esterhuysen took three wickets in his first appearance for his state against South Australia.