Image Credit- BBL
The Australia all-rounder Beau Webster has joined
Gloucestershire for the Vitality Blast this year.
Right-handed batsman Webster can bowl both medium-pace
and off-spin deliveries. He will be joining his new colleagues in Bristol at
the end of May. He’ll be available for Gloucestershire’s Blast campaign and the
two County Championship games in June against Glamorgan and Yorkshire.
“I am really excited and very grateful for the
opportunity to join Gloucestershire for the 2024 Vitality Blast campaign,”
Webster said. “I’m looking forward to not only developing my game further
in the UK but also to playing a part in helping the team win matches during my
time here. I can’t wait to meet my teammates and get started.”
Webster, 30, has represented Tasmania in Australian
domestic events since 2014. In the Sheffield Shield this year, he scored 554
runs at 61.55, second only to Cameron Bancroft in the run-scoring standings. In
seven matches, he also claimed 13 wickets, making effective use of his
6’6″ physique.
His playing career in county cricket dates back to
last year’s Metro Bank One Day Cup, where he represented Essex. At the end of
that season, he had taken 14 wickets at an economy rate of 5.47 and amassed 280
runs at a rate of 37.14.
More recently, Webster made an impression with the
Melbourne Stars in the Big Bash League this year, making 262 runs at a rate of
43.66.
Mark Alleyne, Gloucestershire’s incoming head coach,
said: “Beau is an incredibly well-rounded player who is experienced across
all formats and offers a great option with both the bat and the ball.
“He’s enjoyed a good season in the Big Bash
League and will bring with him a lot of knowledge of playing in T20 franchise
cricket, particularly in Australia. Beau is a tall, powerful player who can
have a terrific impact on a game, and has I’m really excited to have Beau join
us for the Vitality Blast and to see him help win cricket matches for
Gloucestershire.”