Because of the hectic international program this season, most players who are selected for both the Test and one-day Australian sides will not appear in the Shield at all. This week all sides will be missing the players from the Australian tour in Pakistan, however those who have been selected solely for the Wills International Cup in Bangladesh next week are available for this week's opening round.

South Australia was missing Jason Gillespie from the opening round. Gillespie has not played full international cricket since breaking down on the 1997 Ashes tour and has suffered a groin injury while preparing for the start of this season. Former captain-coach Jamie Siddons is also out having suffered a leg injury which was aggravated during the Mercantile Mutual Cup game against WA on Sunday. New South Wales are being led by wicketkeeper Phil Emery who is playing his 100th Shield match. Missing the start of the NSW season through injury is fast bowler Simon Cook, who is recovering from injuries suffered when run over by a steamroller at work a couple of months ago. Opening batsman Matthew Phelps is making his first-class debut in this game.

At tea on the first day South Australia were 2/228, Greg Blewett unbeaten on 127.

Teams:

New South Wales:

Phil Emery (capt), Michael Bevan, Stuart Clark, Rodney Davison, David Freedman, Shane Lee, Brad McNamara, Matthew Phelps (first-class debut), Corey Richards, Graeme Rummans, Scott Thompson. (12th man: Kevin Geyer)

South Australia:

Greg Blewett (capt), Nathan Adcock, Chris Davies, Andrew Eime, Martin Faull, Ben Johnson, Mark Harrity, Tim Nielsen, Geoff Parker, Paul Wilson, Brad Young. (12th man: Joe Scuderi)