The NSW Blues will be crowned Sheffield Shield champions for the first time since 2013-14 in the extremely likely scenario a final later this month is cancelled due to the threat of coronavirus.

Cricket Australia on Sunday confirmed the final round of the domestic competition had been scrapped “in an effort to reduce travel” and that an announcement on the final set down for March 27 in Wollongong would be made in due course.

However, Blues players and officials are under the impression the final won't go ahead. There had been some question marks over whether NSW, with six wins from nine matches, would be awarded the Sheffield Shield but the Herald has been told by sources the Blues will be awarded for their excellent season just before the finish line.

NSW (50.76 points) finished well ahead on the ladder, with Victoria (38.53), Queensland (36.91) and Tasmania (32.29) rounding out the top four.