WA will make a multitude of changes for its Sheffield Shield clash with Tasmania in Hobart, which begins at Ninja Stadium Friday morning.

The reigning champions registered their first win of the Shield season last week, toppling the Tigers in familiar WACA Ground surrounds.

Six players from that team, however, were selected for national duties, affording opportunities for several young prospects to shine against last year’s fellow finalist. 

Exciting teenaged fast bowler Mahli Beardman is in the mix for his Shield debut, bolstering the team’s pace stocks alongside veteran left-armer Joel Paris.

Boasting the best average of any WA bowler to take more than 100 Sheffield Shield wickets, Paris has recovered from the hamstring injury that precluded him from playing WA’s first two red ball games.

Young top-order batters Sam Fanning, Jayden Goodwin and Teague Wyllie also earned call-ups, likewise experienced duo Ashton Agar and Ashton Turner. Agar shapes as skipper Sam Whiteman’s primary spin-bowling option.

Gloveman Joel Curtis, meanwhile, has been rewarded for outstanding WA Premier Cricket form after tallying scores of 68 (73 balls), 101 (103), 138 (117) and 100 (123) in his last four First Grade innings.  

The Perth Cricket Club product, who turns 25 on Day Three of the match, played his only Shield game to date against Queensland at the Gabba last season.

Cameron Bancroft, Cooper Connolly and Corey Rocchiccioli were picked for the Australia A series versus India A, while Aaron Hardie and Josh Inglis are preparing for an ODI assignment against Pakistan.

Mitch Marsh (paternity leave) and Charlie Stobo (omitted) are the other omissions from WA’s most recent extended Sheffield Shield squad. 

WA squad for Sheffield Shield Game Three: Sam Whiteman ©, Ashton Agar, Mahli Beardman, Hilton Cartwright, Brody Couch, Joel Curtis, Sam Fanning, Cam Gannon, Jayden Goodwin, Matt Kelly, Joel Paris, Ashton Turner, Teague Wyllie.

In: Ashton Agar, Mahli Beardman, Joel Curtis, Sam Fanning, Joel Paris, Ashton Turner, Teague Wyllie

Out: Cameron Bancroft (Australia A), Cooper Connolly (Australia A), Aaron Hardie (Australia), Josh Inglis (Australia), Mitch Marsh (paternity leave), Corey Rocchiccioli (Australia A), Charlie Stobo (omitted)

At least another seven WA players are poised to feature during the Toyota Second XI clash with New South Wales at Scotch College from Monday.

Chief among them is Cricket Australia-contracted quick Jhye Richardson, who continues to build his bowling loads.

Left-arm wrist-spinner Hamish McKenzie is in line for his first appearance of 2024-25, and could be joined by state teammates Keaton Critchell, Baxter Holt, D’Arcy Short, Stobo and Corey Wasley.

WA squad for Toyota Second XI game two: Will Bosisto, Keaton Critchell, Baxter Holt, Ashley Jeffrey, Hamish McKenzie, Lachlan Poulter, Jhye Richardson, D’Arcy Short, Matt Spoors, Charlie Stobo, Corey Wasley, 13^th man from Sheffield Shield squad. 

Both games get underway at 10:30AM, WA time.