NSW bowler Pat Cummins is set to play his first Sheffield Shield match in 2178 days after being selected in a 13-man squad for the Blues’ match against South Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground starting tomorrow (March 7).

Cummins last wore the baggy blue cap in the 2010/11 Sheffield Shield Final against Tasmania.

He has since made his Test, ODI and T20 debuts for Australia, while also spending time out of the game through injury.

The 23 year old has had an uninterrupted return to cricket this season, playing for NSW in the Matador Cup and Futures League, the Sydney Thunder and Australia in the 50-over and T20 formats, as well as regular appearances for Penrith in the McDonalds NSW Premier Cricket competition.

Cummins is looking forward to ending the near-six year Sheffield Shield layoff.

“I’m pumped, at the start of the year I had a couple of goals and one of those was to get back in the ODI squad for Australia and the other was to play Shield cricket,” said Cummins.

“I’m pretty happy to be near the end of the season and hopefully have ticked off both of those goals.

“I’ve got to find the baggy blue at the back of the cupboard!

“I feel like I have been playing a lot of cricket, and I’ve been able to play a few First Class games in the last couple of years.

“But it is pretty scary to think how long ago my last Shield game was for NSW.

“It is where it all started for me, I’m just so keen to get back out there.”

Gordon legspinner Mason Crane has also been included in a 13-man squad for the clash with South Australia.

English-born Crane has been a revelation for Gordon in the NSW Premier Cricket competition, taking 45 wickets at an average 20.2.

The Hampshire cricketer has excelled in 2017, with three seven-wicket innings in First Grade since January.

Sheffield Shield – Round 9

NSW v South Australia

Sydney Cricket Ground

7-10 March 2017

NSW Squad:

Moises Henriques (Captain)

Sean Abbott

Doug Bollinger

Trent Copeland

Ed Cowan

Mason Crane

Pat Cummins

Daniel Hughes

Nick Larkin

Nic Maddinson

Peter Nevill

Kurtis Patterson

Wil Somerville