Sheffield Shield

Established in 1892/93, the Sheffield Shield is the premier domestic first class cricket competition in Australia.

Held annually, each of the six state teams plays a double round-robin series of home and away 4-day matches against every other team. Points are awarded for each match and the top two teams play a 5-day final.

The final is played at the home ground of the team that finished on top of the table at the end of the regular season matches. If the final is drawn or tied, the top-ranked team wins the Shield.

A separate limited overs competition known as the Ryobi One Day Cup, and a Twenty20 competition known as the KFC Twenty20 Big Bash both run concurrently.

History

In 1891–92 the Earl of Sheffield was in Australia as the promoter of the English team led by W. G. Grace. The tour included three Tests played in Melbourne, Sydney and Adelaide.

At the conclusion of the tour, Lord Sheffield donated £150 to the New South Wales Cricket Association to fund a trophy for an annual tournament of intercolonial cricket in Australia. The three colonies of New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia were already playing each other in ad hoc matches. The new tournament commenced in the summer of 1892/93, mandating home and away fixtures between each colony each season. The three teams competed for the Sheffield Shield, named after its benefactor. A Polish immigrant, Phillip Blashki, won the competition to design...
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