Tasmanian Tigers opener Caleb Jewell notches up sixth-highest Tasmanian first-class total

Tasmanian Tigers opener Caleb Jewell has made history during Sunday’s Sheffield Shield clash against Western Australia.

HOBART, AUSTRALIA – FEBRUARY 18: Caleb Jewell of the Tigers bats during the Sheffield Shield match between Tasmania and Western Australia at Blundstone Arena, on February 18, 2024, in Hobart, Australia. (Photo by Steve Bell/Getty Images)

Tasmanian Tigers opener Caleb Jewell has put a lean Sheffield Shield summer behind him with a day three double-ton against Western Australia sending a firm reminder of his national potential.

The 26 year-old produced a career-best knock of 227 runs on Sunday at Blundstone Arena to guide the Tigers to a strong 449 run lead heading into the final day of play.

HOBART, AUSTRALIA – FEBRUARY 18: Caleb Jewell of the Tigers celebrates scoring a double century during the Sheffield Shield match between Tasmania and Western Australia at Blundstone Arena, on February 18, 2024, in Hobart, Australia. (Photo by Steve Bell/Getty Images)

After a previous top score of just 87 in the four-day format this season, Jewell continued on his 98-run stand from Saturday to raise the bat early on day three and reached the 200 mark after surviving an edge to the keeper on 196 that raced away for four.

It was a sensational return to form for Jewell who was dropped by Josh Phillipe on 165 before going on to make the season’s highest Sheffield Shield total by an individual player.

Jewell’s knock was also the equal sixth highest by a Tasmanian in first class cricket – tying David Boon’s knock in 1983 and falling just two runs short of cracking the top five.

“It hasn’t really sunk in yet,” Jewell said post-match on Sunday.

“I woke up at the start of the day and was pretty nervous about getting those first two runs but very happy.

“It was frustrating there for a little bit (not scoring runs at Shield level) but I was still scoring runs in one-day cricket so it wasn’t the end of the world but yeah, hopefully I can make the most of it and get another one soon.”

HOBART, AUSTRALIA – FEBRUARY 18: Beau Webster of the Tigers celebrates scoring a century during the Sheffield Shield match between Tasmania and Western Australia at Blundstone Arena, on February 18, 2024, in Hobart, Australia. (Photo by Steve Bell/Getty Images)

Jewell wasn’t the only homegrown Tigers player to raise the bat in the second innings with in-form all-rounder Beau Webster (100 off 175) notching up another strong innings that included a 183-run partnership with Jewell.

With Tasmania at 8-537 at stumps, an overnight declaration will be well and truly in skipper Jordan Silk’s thinking heading into day four but Jewell wasn’t giving too much away after Sunday’s play.

“I’m sure we will have a bowl at some stage tomorrow (Monday),” he said.

“We are still trying to win this game obviously. It’s a pretty nice batting wicket but I still think with some good bowling and a new ball we could do some damage.”