SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 27: Ben Dwarshuis of the Sixers celebrates with team mate Sean Abbott after claiming the wicket of Ashton Turner of the Scorchers during the Big Bash League match between the Sydney Sixers and Perth Scorchers at Sydney Cricket Ground on December 27, 2016 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Brendon Thorne/Getty Images)
Ben Dwarshuis could be in line to make his Sheffield Shield debut after being named in a 13-man squad for the New South Wales Blues, who will take on the Western Australia Warriors in the competition's opening match on Monday.
Australia's premier first-class competition, which will pave the way for players to push their way into the Australian side ahead of not only home series against the West Indies and South Africa this summer, but also away trips to India and England in 2023, will get underway at the WACA on Monday.
Dwarshuis is joined by a number of New South Wales players with international experience, with captain Kurtis Patterson to be joined by off-spinner Nathan Lyon, all-rounder Moises Henriques and quick bowler Trent Copeland.
The trio of international experienced players are all certain to play in the game against the Warriors from the 13-man squad, with the Blues unable to call upon the likes of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, David Warner and Steve Smith due to current international commitments.
The trio are joined in the squads by the likes of up and coming Jack Edwards, vice-captain Jason Sangha, Chris Tremain and experienced batsman Daniel Hughes.
The Blues were knocked over for a pitiful 76 during a one day match on Saturday against the Warriors, and will be desperate to run things around in the four-day opener.
Western Australia won the competition last year.
The match gets underway at 1:30pm (AEDT) - 10:30am (local time) on Monday.
Trent Copeland
Ben Dwarshuis
Jack Edwards
Matthew Gilkes
Liam Hatcher
Moises Henriques
Baxter Holt
Daniel Hughes
Nathan Lyon
Blake Nikitaras
Kurtis Patterson (c)
Jason Sangha (vc)
Chris Tremain