| Cricket format | First-class |
|---|---|
| Tournament format(s) | Double round-robin |
| Champions | New South Wales |
| Participants | 3 |
| Matches played | 6 |
The 1896–97 Sheffield Shield season was the fifth season of the Sheffield Shield, the domestic first-class cricket competition of Australia. New South Wales won the championship.
Jack Lyons 404
Tom McKibbin 44