Beau Webster named Sheffield Shield Player of the Year

The outstanding individual season of a Tasmanian Tigers all-rounder has been recognised heading into Thursday’s Sheffield Shield final.

Beau Webster produced one of the best ever individual seasons in Sheffield Shield history in 2023-24. (Photo by Steve Bell/Getty Images)

Beau Webster’s outstanding individual season has been rewarded with the Tasmanian Tigers all-rounder named the Sheffield Shield Player of the Year.

The competition’s most influential player with bat and ball produced one of the more remarkable seasons in 2023-24, finishing with 914 runs and 26 wickets.

The Tigers talisman averaged over 65 runs this season, scoring three centuries, and regularly put Tasmania on his back throughout the course of the season to become just the fourth player ever to score 900 runs and take 25 wickets in a season.

Webster scored three tons this year and finished with an average of 65 runs. (Photo by Steve Bell/Getty Images)

Set to be a key player in the Sheffield Shield final against Western Australia, Webster credited a strong season from the Tigers top order in playing a role for his own success but said there was no “secret sauce” behind it.

“It’s a nice individual honour for a good season and I’m very proud,” he said.

“It’s probably a case of getting older and knowing your game a little more. I’ve played (82 first-class games) now.

“That role at number six where I can bat and bowl and chip in both ways has really been fruitful, and I’ve really enjoyed it.”

“We’ve had some outstanding performances from our top order this year which always helps when you are coming in down the order when the ball is a bit older and the bowlers are a bit more tired so I definitely owe some credit to the top order.”

Webster polled 21 votes to take out the award by three from NSW batter Ollie Davies and Western Australia seamer Joel Paris.

In a season full of blistering knocks, it was his 167no innings against Victoria during the penultimate round that saw Webster lead Tasmania to a Sheffield Shield final appearance for the first time since 2017-18.

He finished the competition as the leading run scorer while his 25 wickets put him in the top 15 bowlers.

While hopeful of a potential national debut, the 30 year-old’s immediate focus was on winning a state title for his beloved Tasmania.

“Like anyone that is playing in the Sheffield Shield and performing well, the aspiration is to play for your country and I’m no different,” Webster said.

“I’d love to get a chance if it does come along but first and foremost is the Shield final which is a big part of our year and the top award for Shield cricketers is that final and we’re there.”

Webster’s recognition as Sheffield Shield Player of the Year follows teammate Caleb Jewell being named Marsh One Day Player of the Year and Nicola Carey being crowned WNCL Player of the Year.

Webster and teammate Charlie Wakim were also named in the Sheffield Shield Team of the Year on Tuesday.