South Australia’s aspiration to host the Sheffield Shield final at Adelaide Oval is closer to becoming reality after securing hosting rights with a victory over Victoria. Coach Ryan Harris expressed his team’s desire to play at the venue, a possibility strengthened by discussions reaching the state premier’s office, addressing scheduling challenges with the Australian Football League (AFL) that might lead to adjusting the final’s dates.
South Australia is set to host their first Shield final since 2016, having topped the table after a remarkable four-wicket win at Junction Oval. They successfully chased down 300 in the fourth innings, highlighted by an exceptional unbeaten century from Jake Lehmann.
Speculation about Adelaide Oval hosting the final began after a win against Western Australia in Perth last month, but official progress was pending South Australia’s confirmation as hosts.
The final is currently scheduled from March 26 to March 30. A significant challenge is the removal of Adelaide Oval’s drop-in pitches in preparation for AFL club Adelaide Crows’ first home game on March 16. Port Adelaide, the other local AFL club, has their first home game on Saturday, March 22.
To accommodate the Shield final at Adelaide Oval, it would need to be moved forward by two days, potentially played between Monday, March 24, and Friday, March 28, fitting between weekend AFL fixtures, with the Crows hosting another home game on March 30.
Reportedly, installing a single drop-in pitch after the AFL game on March 22 is feasible. The pitch would be prepared off-site and ready for play on March 24, with the outfield appropriately prepared.
‘We’re in now. I think that was part of the step,’ Harris mentioned after the win against Victoria. ‘I’ve left that to the administration, but momentum is building, I believe.’
‘There are still details to resolve this week. But now that our place in Adelaide is confirmed, we anticipate updates in the coming days.’
‘We definitely want to play there. We love the venue. Conditions might be slightly different with a potentially slower outfield, but early-season games in September or October are often similar, so it shouldn’t be too different.’
‘Ultimately, playing there would be fantastic. We acknowledge the existing agreements with football. However, discussions have been positive, so we remain hopeful.’
The last Shield final at Adelaide Oval was in 1996, with South Australia’s most recent home final at Glenelg Oval. The AFL season’s expansion into March in the last 15 years has made venues like Adelaide Oval, MCG, SCG, Gabba, and Perth Stadium, which host both cricket and AFL, unavailable for Shield finals due to prioritizing football once its season commences.
No Shield final has been held at these major venues since 2012 when Queensland hosted the final at the Gabba. Since then, Victoria has hosted finals in Alice Springs and Hobart, and New South Wales in Canberra, before Junction Oval and Cricket Central became options. Queensland has hosted two finals at Allan Border Field recently.
South Australia’s Premier Peter Malinauskas has intervened, engaging with local AFL clubs on this matter.
‘This issue came to my attention, and I spent time over the weekend making calls,’ Malinauskas stated on ABC radio. ‘I’m optimistic that through reasonable compromise, we can find a solution to play at Adelaide Oval.’
‘Everyone will need to be flexible. There are many factors, but after my discussions, I’m quite positive we can achieve a favorable outcome with cooperation. I believe the Crows are willing to be pragmatic, which is commendable. The AFL also has a role.’
South Australia’s final Shield home and away game starts on Saturday, March 15, already scheduled at Karen Rolton Oval.
The AFL is reportedly open to accommodating the final between weekend football games, with CEO Andrew Dillon indicating the league’s willingness to cooperate.
‘As with other sports scheduling conflicts, we are fortunate to use Australia’s best multi-sport stadiums in major cities,’ Dillon said at a press conference. ‘If it fits our schedule, we’re certainly open to considering it.’
Playing the final at Adelaide Oval would reduce the turnaround time for the travelling team from seven to five days. Queensland, Western Australia, New South Wales, and Victoria are still in contention depending on the final round results.
Jake Lehmann, Alex Carey, and Travis Head are the only current South Australian players who participated in their last Shield final. Lehmann, whose father Darren played in the 1996 Adelaide Oval triumph, expressed his desire to play the decider at the ground.
‘If it happens, it would be amazing, as the last home Shield final was at Glenelg,’ Lehmann said. ‘We had a good crowd, which was great. I also think Adelaide Oval is the best stadium globally. It produces good wickets and great cricket, so I’d love to play there.’
Harris confirmed Carey’s availability for South Australia’s final Shield game against Queensland and the final.
‘As far as I know, he’s back next week and for the final,’ Harris said. ‘It’s a huge boost to get a player in good form. I watched his recent innings, and it was exceptionally good.’
However, Head will be unavailable, committed to playing in the IPL for Sunrisers Hyderabad, whose first game is on March 23. Jake Fraser-McGurk and Spencer Johnson, who played Shield games for South Australia this season, are also IPL-bound.
‘It’s all good,’ Harris commented. ‘It’s their choice. They might have some FOMO now, wishing they were here, but it’s fine.’
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