Sheffield Shield

The Sheffield Shield is the domestic first-class competition of Australia. The tournament is contested between teams from the six states of Australia. Prior to the Shield being established, a number of intercolonial matches were played. The Shield, donated by Lord Sheffield, was first contested during the 1892–93 season, between New South Wales, South Australia and Victoria

The competition is contested in a double-round robin format, with each team playing every other team in two home-and-away matches. Points are awarded based on wins, losses, draws and ties.