Sheffield Shield Sheffield Shield The Sheffield Shield is the domestic first-class cricket 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. Queensland was admitted for the 1926–27 season, Western Australia for the 1947–48 season and Tasmania for the 1977–78 season. The competition is contested in a double-round robin format, with each team playing every other team twice, i.e. home and away. Points
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