Patience helping Webster prosper

Standing at 201cm, Tasmania’s Beau Webster cuts an imposing figure at the crease.

But the 23-year-old is relying on patience rather than brute force and has been rewarded with an impressive start to the Sheffield Shield season.

Webster has 308 runs at 44 to his name from five matches this summer and crafted his third first-class century – an unbeaten 122 – against defending Shield champions Victoria earlier this month.

The Tigers have won just seven four-day fixtures in the past three seasons and Webster, regarded as a potential future captain, will play a key role as the youthful squad looks to climb back up the ladder.

Webster was elevated to vice-captain under stand-in skipper Jackson Bird for the match against Victoria and the extra responsibility did not hamper his personal performance as he flourished against a Bushrangers’ attack featuring internationals Chris Tremain, Scott Boland and Jon Holland.

Tasmania secured a draw – no mean feat against the undefeated Vics – and Webster displayed his determination, hitting 11 boundaries in a 250-ball stay at the cease.

“I definitely see myself as a future leader,” Webster told cricket.com.au.

“Obviously (captain) George (Bailey) can’t be playing forever and we do have a bit of a gap between our senior guys and our young guys, so I do see myself as a bit of a leader of the younger guys.

“We’ve had some tough times, no doubt, in the last couple of years.

“We’ve had a few players come and go, so we’ve got a good core of young guys and I think everyone’s learning each week.

“It’s going to be down to us young guys to create the next generation I suppose and me as a batter and an off-spinner is going to be a big part of that.”

Webster showcased his potential in September when he hit a mature 79 for Australia A against India A.

Peter Handscomb, Matthew Renshaw and Nic Maddinson – all aged 25 and under – made their Test debuts against South Africa in Adelaide last month, proving consistent performances at state level will be rewarded.

While Webster admitted he was some way off replicating the feats of the aforementioned trio, he is hopeful he can stake his claim for national selection in coming years.

The right-hander hit 494 Shield runs, highlighted by two centuries, in 2015-16 in only his second season on a full contract with the Tigers.

“Obviously with the Australia A stuff, that was a bit of a shock after just having a good half a season,” Webster said.

“I suppose the next step is the Test team and it’s good to see those young guys being picked. They’re all very good players and have numbers on the board much better than mine.

“My goal is to get my numbers up to where theirs are and keep pushing my case for selection at the next level if the time comes.”

Webster’s ton against the Bushrangers backed up his determined second innings 80 from 214 balls against NSW last month, which helped Tasmania grab a share of the points.

The former star footballer rated his knock against Victoria as his best at state level.

“It was obviously nice to get a couple (of centuries) last year, but I definitely feel like I batted a bit more time and this innings was a bit better than the first two,” he said.

“They’re good bowlers, the Vics, and they’re a good team. They don’t give you much. To score runs against them was very pleasing.

“I’m just enjoying batting at the moment. I’m facing a lot of balls and I set myself to bat a day … when I get out there.

“I’ve been out in recent times being in good form and playing a rash shot early.

“I wasn’t in the team to start with last year. Then I got in the team about three games before Christmas and started to make a few.

“The goal this year was just to put a full Shield season together and getting a few runs in the first half of the year is good.”

While Webster has impressed with the willow, his off-spinners have also garnered seven wickets this season.

“I’ve been the only spinner in three games for our Shield team,” he said.

“I’ve definitely been bowling a lot more and George has put it to me to try and be the No.1 spinner in our team as well as a batter.

“Obviously Bellerive doesn’t turn much, so we like to go in with a few more quicks usually so it gives them good flexibility with selection.”

Webster is also a member the Hobart Hurricanes squad for this summer’s KFC Big Bash League competition.

The Hurricanes will start their campaign against Sydney Sixers on Friday, while Tasmania’s next Shield clash is against Queensland from February 1.

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