Captains choice - Bird wins second consecutive MVP Award.

28 March, 2019

Jackson Bird has won his second Sheffield Shield Captains' MVP Award, after edging out last year’s joint-winner Michael Neser by one vote.

Polling a total of 40 votes, Bird dominated the final two rounds with 14 votes and finishing the season with 50 wickets at an average of 22.22.

Neser was a revelation with both bat and ball in 2018-19, taking 33 wickets at 23 while also making 481 runs at an average 43.73.

Bowlers dominated the award once again in 2018-19, with Bird, Neser, Trent Copeland and Scott Boland rounding out the top four; highlighting the value placed on fast bowling by the Shield Captains.

Each captain voted 5,4,3,2,1 after each Shield game on the players they deemed most valuable in that match.

Victoria’s dominant season was reflected by four players featuring in the top ten; Scott Boland (29), Marcus Harris (26), Will Pucovski (23) and Chris Tremain (22).

While fellow Sheffield Shield finalist New South Wales had three make it into the ten most valuable; Trent Copeland (29), Sean Abbott (25) and Daniel Hughes (22).

Queensland’s Mark Skeketee was rewarded for a consistent season with 25 votes from the Shield Captains.

ACA General Manager Cricket Operations Brendan Drew congratulated Bird after another Captains MVP award.

“Any award voted by your peers is special, but to be nominated by the leaders of the sport as being the most valuable performer, is a something that should make ‘Birdy’ very proud,” Drew said.

“Michael Neser has had a terrific last few seasons.

“In the last twelve months we have seen him jointly win the inaugural ACA Captains MVP and get opportunities at the Australian level.

“While Trent Copeland has shown that age is no barrier for consistency, and after a 44-wicket season and some dominant performances.

“Scott Boland led the strong Victorian bowling attack with 45 wickets this season, and continues to remind Australian selectors of his ability.

Boland and Copeland will both feature in the Sheffield Shield Final, beginning today at the Junction Oval.

Leaderboard

Votes

Bird

40

Neser

39

Copeland

29

Boland

29

Harris

26

Skeketee

25

Abbott

25

Pucovski

23

Tremain

22

Hughes

22


The Award

  • Each captain voted 5,4,3,2,1 after each Shield game on the players they deemed most valuable in that match.
  • Captains were ineligible to vote for themselves, or the opposition Captain.
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