Lethal fast bowlers Lance Morris and Jhye Richardson are poised to make their first Sheffield Shield appearances of 2024-25 on Saturday, named in WA’s 13-player squad to face South Australia under lights at Adelaide Oval.

Both contracted by Cricket Australia, Morris and Richardson have steadily increased their bowling loads as part of a patient plan to shake persistent injury setbacks. 

Morris was Australia’s best bowler in the One-Day International against Pakistan at Perth Stadium, while Richardson has consistently showcased pace and skill when representing WA’s One-Day Cup team. 

It has been more than two years since the pair started in the same Sheffield Shield team on 31 October 2022, against Queensland at the WACA Ground. 

Morris’ most recent Shield match was WA’s thrilling two-wicket win at home against South Australia last November, while Richardson hasn’t been seen since starring against Queensland at the Gabba later that month. 

Talented young batter Teague Wyllie is the third addition to WA’s extended squad, with Ashton Agar (shoulder), Mahli Beardman (omitted) and Brody Couch (managed) making way. 

Agar injured the AC joint in his left shoulder while fielding against Victoria at the CitiPower Centre last week. The spin-bowling allrounder will push to be available for the early stages of Perth Scorchers’ KFC BBL|14 campaign. 

Impressive quick Couch, who crossed the Nullarbor from Victoria in the off-season, has been managed after playing every Shield game of the season to date. 

Hard-hitting allrounder Keaton Critchell will make his Sheffield Shield debut if selected in the starting side. 

WA enters the match ranked second on the ladder, little more than a point shy of current leaders Victoria. South Australia (third), meanwhile, is less than a point behind WA. 

The pink ball match, starting at 12PM WA time, ends a seven-year absence of day-night Sheffield Shield games. Every ball will be shown live on Cricket.com.au and Kayo Sports. 

WA squad for Sheffield Shield Game Five: Ashton Turner (c), Cameron Bancroft, Hilton Cartwright, Keaton Critchell, Joel Curtis, Sam Fanning, Cameron Gannon, Jayden Goodwin, Lance Morris, Joel Paris, Jhye Richardson, Corey Rocchiccioli, Teague Wyllie. 

In: Lance Morris, Jhye Richardson, Teague Wyllie
Out: Ashton Agar (shoulder), Mahli Beardman (omitted), Brody Couch (managed)