Australian One-Day legends, the late great Dean Jones and Michael Bevan, among frontrunners for trophy honour

Australia’s men’s domestic one-day competition trophy is set to be renamed with two of Australia’s best ever one-day players among the candidates for the honour. DANIEL CHERNY reports.

The late great Dean Jones and one-day wonder Michael Bevan are among the frontrunners as Cricket Australia seeks fan assistance to pick a former star to be honoured in a new name for the men’s one-day cup.

The 50-over competition was launched 55 years ago but unlike the Sheffield Shield and Ruth Preddy Cup (Women’s National Cricket League) it has never been named after a person, only sponsors including Gillette, McDonald’s and Mercantile Mutual.

CA will use its digital and social channels to gauge public opinion on which one-day champion is most deserving of having his name bestowed to the trophy.

According to CA, the key criteria for consideration will include “an elite record in the men’s one-day domestic competition, (being) A top performer at international level for Australia in men’s one-day cricket, (and being) a player who is synonymous with the 50-over format.”

As six-time winners of the men’s one-day World Cup, Australia has no shortage of worthy contenders for the honour.

The pioneering Jones, who died suddenly in 2020, averaged more than 50 with the bat for Victoria in the competition while also revolutionising the game with exceptional running between the wickets.

The late Dean Jones in action for Australia in 1990. Picture: Getty Images

Michael Bevan’s celebrates his most renowned chase in 1996 with a four off the last ball for victory against the West Indies. Picture: Getty Images

Bevan, 54, averaged above 61 in the competition, helping both NSW and Tasmania to titles in addition to his famous feats in Australian colours in which he orchestrated a handful of iconic successful run chases when the format was at its cultural zenith.

Once a staple of Channel 9’s summer cricket offering either side of the international season peak, the one-day competition was marginalised to the point that it was wrapped up by mid-October in the 2018-19 season.

Following backlash from players, CA spread it back more evenly over the season and ensured that some matches every year are played at the major Test venues.

A shortlist of contenders will be announced early in the season – which begins on September 22 – before a decision is made ahead of the final on March 1.

“Australia has a rich history in one-day cricket and the format has produced inspirational players and teams for generations of cricket fans,” CA cricket chief James Allsopp said.

“Naming the one-day domestic trophy after one of our greats is another opportunity for Australian cricket to honour the legacy of our past cricketers while further strengthening the connection between past and present players.

“With so many legends of one-day cricket, we know that whoever the trophy is named after in perpetuity will be thoroughly deserving of the honour.”