LAVINGTON has emerged as a contender to host a Sheffield Shield cricket match early next year.

Cricket Victoria officials toured Lavington Oval yesterday with Queensland looming as the most likely opposition if the four-day match was given the green light.

It is believed Wangaratta, Geelong and Bendigo are also being considered.

The biggest stumbling block could be a potential clash of dates with an AFL practice match also on the radar for Lavington in February.

Cricket Victoria general manager Shaun Graf said last night he was impressed with the facilities on the Border.

“I have no doubt it would be capable of hosting a first-class game,” Graf said.

Albury Council is eager to secure an AFL match after being snubbed of practice matches in favour or Wangaratta and Wagga in recent years.

It would be the biggest cricket match to be played at the ground since England suffered a shock nine-run loss to Zimbabwe in the 1992 World Cup.

Cricket Albury-Wodonga hosted the Australian Country Cricket Championships in 2010 and have been trying to attract a first-class match since.

It is believed Wagga is in the mix to host a clash between NSW and Victoria.