With the SCG unavailable because of commitments with the Major League Baseball opening series, Cricket NSW is searching for alternative venues if the Blues earn the right to host the final from March 21-25.

Manuka Oval is one of three grounds in consideration along with Bankstown Oval and Blacktown International Sportspark.

NSW is in second place on the Sheffield Shield ladder on 18 points, just four points behind South Australia with four rounds remaining.

The Blues will be in Canberra for their last match of the competition against Western Australia from March 11-14.

It gives Manuka Oval a foot in the door providing that the conditions play into the hands of the Blues.

NSW will want a batting-friendly surface for the final given the host secures the trophy with a draw.

Cricket NSW chief executive Andrew Jones said other factors would be taken into account, but ultimately the choice of ground will come down to Bayliss.

''The key decision-maker would be the coach,'' Jones said.

''He will nominate a preferred venue as to what he wants out of the wicket and the plan that will best suit the team.

''Having the game here at Manuka [against Western Australia] certainly strengthens the case to host the final and will be an advantage.''

This is the second year in a row NSW has played a shield game at Manuka Oval as part of an agreement with the ACT Government.

The original deal also included a Ryobi Cup game, but that wasn't feasible this season with Cricket Australia's decision to play the entire one-day domestic competition at suburban grounds in Sydney in October.

Cricket NSW is hopeful of bringing a Ryobi Cup match to Manuka Oval in the 2014-15 summer.

But NSW won't be bringing a Shield game to Canberra next season because Manuka Oval is unavailable for World Cup commitments. Manuka Oval could also host the Sydney Thunder in the Big Bash League, with a tender process being conducted.

The Thunder's regular home ground, ANZ Stadium, is unavailable because of soccer's Asian Cup.