Tasmanian Tigers all-rounder Mitch Owen hopeful of replicating Beau Webster’s form

While he admits it has left him open to some playful ribbing, Tasmanian Tigers all-rounder Mitch Owen is keen to continue to learn from a star teammate in the hopes of replicating his recent form.

Fresh off a career-best first class knock, Tasmanian Tigers all-rounder Mitch Owen admits he continues to take plenty of learnings from teammate Beau Webster in the hopes of emulating the Test hopeful’s recent heroics.

Owen was the pick of Tasmania’s batters in the innings and 45 run loss to Western Australia last week with the 23 year-old producing a-run-a-ball first innings total of 83 before finishing unbeaten on seven from 37 in the second.

Entering the clash off a 69 and 5 showing in the two sides’ clash last month, Owen’s strong start to the summer is a timely one given the current absence of Webster.

Owen top scored for Tasmania in the loss to Western Australia. (Photo by Steve Bell/Getty Images)

Webster is currently plying his trade for Australia A in the hopes of a national call-up with the two Tasmanian-born all-rounders forming a close bond since Owen joined the line-up.

And while trying to take as much advice and knowledge from Webster has left Owen open to some playful ribbing from his teammates, he’s hopeful it will lead to a similar reign of form with both bat and ball.

“I kind of sit in his (Webster’s) pocket a little bit and take a lot of information and knowledge from him,” Owen said.

“I get the mickey taken out of me a little bit for it but he’s a great leader and a great role model for me. I’m going to keep trying to learn off him as much as I can as he progresses through to higher honours, hopefully.

“I really hope he gets his opportunity soon (for Australia). It’s a hell of a team to break into, so I’m not sure if he’ll be there for the first test of the summer, but hopefully he gets his crack.”

A proven run scorer at club cricket, Owen began the state summer with first crack at opening the batting in one-day cricket.

MACKAY, AUSTRALIA – NOVEMBER 03: Beau Webster of Australia A bats during day four of the match between Australia A and India A at Great Barrier Reef Arena on November 03, 2024 in Mackay, Australia. (Photo by Albert Perez/Getty Images)

While that first opportunity may not have started in blistering fashion, it was one he is hoping continues despite believing his short-term future in four-day cricket remains inside the Tigers middle-order.

“It’s been great fun, and hopefully it’s something I can continue to do and keep doing it well,” he said.

“Right now (in Shield cricket), I’m just grateful and happy that I’m getting an opportunity to play.

“My way in was not just as a batter or just as a bowler, it’s kind of that all-rounder spot, so my role is to impact the game with bat or ball.

“I think I’m getting there with the bat and I think the ball is still a work in progress, but the way I see my role is to just go out there and impact the game and try and swing momentum or hold momentum.”

Tasmania will next face Queensland on November 15.