The Hobart Hurricanes took a bold move after winning their first-ever Big Bash League (BBL) title: they signed Australian all-rounder Beau Webster to a three-year contract. The 31-year-old Tasmanian is back with his home team after playing for both Melbourne-based teams for eight years.
Webster played for the Melbourne Renegades and then the Melbourne Stars after making five appearances with the Hurricanes during the 2016–17 season. Despite his extended time in Victoria, he was an essential part of Tasmania’s domestic system.
Beau Webster expressed his excitement about rejoining the Hurricanes and playing for his home crowd at the Blundstone Arena.
“Next summer, when Ninja Stadium is packed, I can’t wait to return to Hobart and play in front of our fans, friends, and family. According to Webster, “The team is playing a really good brand of cricket under Vaughany [Jeff Vaughan] and Nelly [Nathan Ellis], and seeing them win a championship makes me hungry to bring another one to ‘Canes fans next season.”
Despite his consistent play in first-class cricket, the all-rounder’s T20 strike rate has remained below 132 in recent seasons. Nevertheless, he has accumulated 1,577 runs in 70 BBL innings and is a reliable bowling option. Interestingly, he has taken 17 of his 19 BBL wickets in the last three seasons.
His leadership will also be crucial to his position with the Hurricanes: Salliann Beams
All-around athletes like Chris Jordan and Mitchell Owen are already on the Hurricanes’ roster. However, general manager Salliann Beams believes Webster can make a difference.
All Tasmanians will be proud of Beau’s return to the Hurricanes because, as we have seen over the past 18 months, he is a very special talent. Beau has one of the best skill sets in the country when it comes to the game’s short form. He can provide the opposition another way to take wickets with the ball and remove them from the game with the bat.
“He will fit in perfectly with what we are trying to build because he is a great friend to the players we already have on our list,” Salliann Beams said. Another important aspect of his job with the Hurricanes will be his leadership.
Furthermore, the Hurricanes have yet to re-sign Tim David, an all-around player who was essential to their championship run. Among the teams interested in signing David as a free agent are the Melbourne Stars. The Stars have strengthened their squad with the signing of fast bowler Liam Hatcher to a two-year contract.
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