Australia’s Sheffield Shield final cancelled, NSW crowned champions

Melbourne (Reuters): New South Wales have been named Australia’s Sheffield Shield champions for the first time in six years after the competition’s final was called off due to the coronavirus, governing body Cricket Australia (CA) said on Tuesday.

CA had already cancelled the last round of Australia’s domestic first class season, leaving NSW top of the standings.

Victoria finished second.

CA also recommended that all cricket played “within the community” is ceased for the remainder of the 2019/20 season in response to the pandemic.

“Based on expert advice from CA’s Chief Medical Officer John Orchard and recent government information we want to ensure that cricket is doing everything it can to contribute to the global effort to slow, and eventually stop, the spread of coronavirus,” CA said in a statement.