Rising Star Albert Esterhuysen Set for Potential WA Sheffield Shield Debut
Albert Esterhuysen, a promising young fast bowler, is on the verge of making his first-class debut. He has been included in a 13-man squad for Western Australia’s Sheffield Shield match against Tasmania, starting soon at Bellerive Oval.
Key Squad Changes for the Sheffield Shield
Esterhuysen’s inclusion comes after an injury to Joel Paris, who will be sidelined for at least five weeks due to a hamstring strain. This provides an opportunity for either Esterhuysen or left-arm paceman Liam Haskett to join the team alongside Cameron Gannon and Matt Kelly, who recently delivered a strong performance with figures of 5-43.
Player Updates and Performances
- Albert Esterhuysen: The South African-born talent has taken five wickets in two One Day Cup matches this season.
- Liam Haskett: Haskett is working on a new bowling action following a back injury last season.
- Cameron Green: Green is unavailable as he is on ODI duty against India.
- Aaron Hardie: Hardie’s upcoming match will be his first four-day game in nearly a year.
- Sam Fanning: Fanning was a steady performer last season, scoring three half-centuries.
Recent Performance Overview
Western Australia faced a setback in their opener against New South Wales, suffering a 74-run defeat. They struggled to reach 200 runs in both innings of the match. Their batting lineup, which includes Sam Whiteman, Cameron Bancroft, and Hilton Cartwright, will look to improve against Tasmania.
Future Matches and Expectations
As the season progresses, Esterhuysen is also expected to participate in his third One Day Cup match at Bellerive Oval the following Monday. With a fresh face in the squad and a desire to bounce back from previous losses, Western Australia aims to regroup and perform strongly against Tasmania.
Western Australia Squad for Sheffield Shield
| Player | Position |
|---|---|
| Sam Whiteman (C) | Batsman |
| Ashton Agar | Spinner |
| Cameron Bancroft | Batsman |
| Hilton Cartwright | Batsman |
| Joel Curtis | All-rounder |
| Albert Esterhuysen | Fast Bowler |
| Sam Fanning | Batsman |
| Aaron Hardie | All-rounder |
| Cameron Gannon | Fast Bowler |
| Jayden Goodwin | Batsman |
| Liam Haskett | Fast Bowler |
| Matt Kelly | Fast Bowler |
| Corey Rocchiccioli | Spinner |
With talented players and a focus on improvement, Western Australia is determined to make a mark this season, starting with Esterhuysen’s anticipated debut.
