Having blown one competition, South Australia’s cricketers hope not to let another slip.

The Redbacks host NSW in a Sheffield Shield fixture from Tuesday which could determine the fate of both teams.

SA sit third on the Shield table with 18 points, one ahead of the fourth-placed Blues.

With Victoria and Queensland equal leaders on 22 points, the Adelaide Oval fixture is pivotal for both SA and NSW.

But the Redbacks must overcome their disappointment at failing to make the final of the limited-overs tournament.

SA needed a win from any of their last three one-day games to advance to the play-off, but lost them all – including two defeats to NSW.

“Unfortunately we fell away in the one-day competition,” Redbacks wicketkeeper Tim Ludeman said.

“But we’re still in it in the Shield – and South Australia haven’t been in it in the last few years. It’s great to still have a chance to take the Shield – we are still a big chance in that.”

SA meet a NSW side brimming with confidence from their recent one-day triumphs over SA.

“Obviously winning becomes a habit,” Blues veteran Brad Haddin said.

“We have got three games left now in Shield cricket.

“It’s important we knuckle down over the next couple of days.

“The only way you win these games is you do the hard work and the basics well and stay in the contest long enough to get a result on day four.”

NSW captain Stephen O’Keefe will return after being sidelined with split webbing in a hand while paceman Gurinder Sandhu is in line for his first-class debut as a possible replacement for fellow quick Josh Hazlewood (foot injury).

SA: TBA.

NSW: Stephen O’Keefe (capt), Trent Copeland, Doug Bollinger, David Dawson, Brad Haddin, Scott Henry, Nic Maddinson, Peter Nevill, Ben Rohrer, Gurinder Sandhu, Chris Tremain, Adam Zampa (12th man to be named).