The 2016–17 Sheffield Shield season was the 115th season of the Sheffield Shield, the Australian domestic first-classcricket competition. It started on 25 October 2016 and finished on 30 March 2017.[1] There was a break between December and January for the Big Bash League.[1] The first round of matches were played as day/night games in preparation for Australia's day/night Test matchagainst Pakistan on 15 December 2016.[2] A second day/night round of fixtures took place in round five of the tournament.[3][4]
Victoria qualified for the final after their 8 wicket win against Western Australia in round 9 of the competition.[5] Victoria secured a home tie in the final, with an innings victory against Queensland in round 10.[6] However, the Melbourne Cricket Ground was unavailable for the fixture, so it took place at Traeger Park in Alice Springs.[6] They faced South Australia in the final, for the second consecutive year.[7] Victoria won the competition with a first-innings lead in the final, after the match finished as a draw.[8] It was their 31st tournament win and their third consecutive title.[8]
Mark Steketee (Queensland) was dismissed under a new law that allows catches to be taken after they hit a close-in fielder's helmet. Steketee was caught off the bat pad's helmet. Such a catch would be deemed not out in a Test match.[11]
Bonus Points: New South Wales 2.09, Queensland 1.12
South Australia won the toss and elected to field.
Sam Harper (Victoria) was hospitalized after being struck on the head by Jake Lehmann's bat. Victoria asked to be allowed to replace Harper with a concussion sub but their request was denied in fear of the game forfeiting its first-class status. Concussion substitutes are, however, allowed in all domestic one-day and Twenty20 games.[12]
