CA cancels final round of Sheffield Shield, defers decision on title match

Australia's top first-class league Sheffield Shield could be declared vacant for first time since Second World War after cricket board cancelled final round of competition due to rising threat of COVID-19 pandemic, according to a report. Cricket Australia, however, deferred a decision on final, scheduled to be played from March 27, given rapidly evolving COVID-19 pandemic situation, according to cricket.com.au.

CA chief executive Kevin Roberts said Shield final round had been canceled "in an effort to reduce travel" and he hoped it would "contribute to global effort to slow, and eventually stop, spread of coronavirus"."At times like this, cricket must take a back seat for greater good," he said."We have been in consultation with relevant government ncies, our own medical team and an infectious disease expert for quite some time w, and we have taken all ir advice into account in making se decisions." CA chief added: " decisions are t something we are accustomed to in cricket ... it has become evident that we must play our part in helping limit spread of virus by reducing person-to-person contact wherever possible. se measures reflect that."

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Spectators had already been banned from three matches due to be played this week at WACA in Perth, Karen Rolton Oval in Adelaide and Melbourne's Junction Oval. In final round matches, due to begin Tuesday, South Australia was to host Queensland while NSW was to travel to play Western Australia in Perth. Victoria was set to host Tasmania from Thursday. One option being considered by CA is awarding NSW Blues, current league leaders, title if final cant be played. If that happens, it would be state's 47th Shield title, and first since 2013-14 summer.

If public health situation improves in next week, final may proceed as planned with Victoria likely to be Blues' opponents. Victoria, defending champions, have won four of past five Shield titles, including beating NSW in last year's decider in Melbourne. 

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