Sheffield Shield: All you need to know heading into the final round

There's only one round remaining and we all know three can't fit into two - so who will make the Sheffield Shield final?

In a topsy-turvy season, New South Wales' star-studded line-up helped the Blues make a perfect start to the season with three big wins from three games, but since then, the bulk of their national representatives have disappeared, and so has their form.

Queensland have since looked the most dominant side since putting together a string of good form and not losing a game since their defeat to NSW in round three, which has seen them catapult to the top of the table.

However, all eyes will be focused on Tasmania's clash against Victoria, with the winner to meet Queensland in the final.

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THE MATCHES

All matches begin on Wednesday March 14:

Tasmania vs Victoria, Blundstone Arena, Hobart, 10:30am (local time)

New South Wales vs Queensland, North Dalton Park, Wollongong, 10:30am (local time)

South Australia vs Western Australia, Gliderol Stadium, Glenelg, 10:30am (local time)

THE LADDER

THE FACTS

• A win is worth six points, a draw one point, first 100 overs: .01 points for every run above 200, first 100 overs: 0.5 points awarded at fall of fifth wicket, seventh wicket and ninth wicket.
• Victoria have won three straight Sheffield Shield finals and are gunning for a fourth consecutive title.
• Queensland were the last to win three consecutive Shield titles (1999-2000, 2000-01, 2001-02). New South Wales' run of nine straight titles between 1953 and 1962 remains the record.
• South Australian Jake Weatherald is the competition's leading run-scorer with 696 runs at an average of 38.66.
• Chris Tremain is the leading wicket-taker for the season with 43 wickets.
• Australian Test discard Matt Renshaw has three centuries in his last three matches - he has scored 518 runs at an average of 74 since the BBL break.
• Joe Burns will return from injury as the Bulls press for their first competition title since 2011/12.
• The Blues haven't won a game since their national stars helped the side win their first three games.
• New South Wales, Western Australia and South Australia are OUT!

THE FINALS CONTENDERS

Queensland

Queensland will use the final round of the competition to tune-up ahead of the final on March 23 which almost certainly will be played up north. The Bulls are certain to host the final - barring Victoria or Tasmania smash their opposing attack around the park in their 100 overs. Queensland started the season with two dominant wins before being defeated by a star-studded New South Wales line-up in their only defeat of the competition. Since then, the Bulls have been the most consistent side at the back end of the season, winning three of their last four games to sit over eight points clear of anyone else. With Victoria playing Tasmania, the winner or more attacking side in the first innings will progress through to the final. Queensland opener Matt Renshaw has been in outstanding from with three centuries in his last three games.

Tasmania

An appearance for Tasmania in the Sheffield Shield final will depend on a sudden-death clash with Victoria beginning on Wednesday. The Tigers will host the Bushrangers at Blundstone Arena, meaning a result will be likely, although bonus points could affect who finishes second if the match results in a draw. The Tigers were smashed in their opening two games of the season but have only lost one game since after putting together some consistent form. A tense 16-run victory over South Australia in round nine has put the side in a position to challenge for the final. Youngster Jake Doran (617 runs) and old bull George Bailey (515 runs) have led the run-scoring for the Tigers while Tom Rogers, Jackson Bird and Sam Rainbird have all taken over 30 wickets for the season.

Victoria

Much the same for Victoria, a final round clash against the Tigers will decide whether they have a chance to win a fourth straight Shield title. The Bushrangers have won three of their last four clashes since the BBL break and it was only some Fawad Ahmed brilliance that saw them defeat New South Wales by 23 runs in their last clash. Victoria have also only been defeated once this season and look a strong chance to beat Tasmania and possibly knock over the Bulls in the Shield final. Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Harris have led the run-scoring for the side with 690 runs and 681 respectively. Chris Tremain leads the competition wicket-taking tally with 43 wickets with Scott Boland in second on 36 wickets.