New South Wales have been crowned Sheffield Shield champions after Cricket Australia cancelled the final scheduled to be played in Wollongong starting on March 27.
The final round of Shield matches was cancelled on Sunday to reduce travel amid coronavirus concerns.
New South Wales finished top of the table with six wins, two losses and a draw, 12 points ahead of second place Victoria with Queensland back in third.
Cricket Australia has also “strongly recommended” that all amateur cricket played within the community should cease including Community Cricket and Premier Cricket.
“By effectively cancelling the remainder of our season, Cricket Australia is playing its part in protecting fans, players, staff, volunteers and match officials during this unprecedented global health issue,” CA CEO Kevin Roberts said in a statement.
“Many will no doubt be disappointed that the Sheffield Shield, Premier Cricket and Community Cricket seasons won’t have their traditional ending.
“That said, we congratulate New South Wales who were 12 points clear at the top of the table on being crowned Sheffield Shield champions.”
Peter Lalor, the chief cricket writer at The Australian, says the constant travel makes cricketers vulnerable to the virus.
“Around the backend of tours players are very run down and often report respiratory infection, because they are so worn out,” Lalor told SEN’s Whateley.
“So in a way, cricket players could be considered more susceptible to it (coronavirus). India has called off its domestic season, South Africa has done the same.”
It’s New South Wales’ first Shield title in six years and their 47th overall.
Listen to Peter Lalor’s chat on SEN’s Whateley in the player below