Sheffield Shield 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 the trophy, a silver shield. The competition therefore commenced some 15 years after Australia's first Test match. In 1999, the Australian Cricket Board (now Cricket Australia) announced a sponsorship deal which included renaming the Sheffield Shield to the Pura Milk Cup, then to
The Guide to Cricketers than full scorecards. This consisted of the names of the two teams, the venue and date of the match plus the innings totals and result. However, there would often be a description of the match giving important details. The major counties were covered, together with the M.C.C., Universities, professional elevens and public schools. A large number of very brief biographies were often included. "John Lillywhite's Cricketer's Companion" started in 1865 and with Fred's death this incorporated "The Guide to Cricketers" from 1867. "James Lillywhite's Cricketers' Annual" started in 1872 and this in turn incorporated the "John Lillywhite's Cricketer's Companion" which