Canberra cricket great Michael Bevan's art of finishing matches has earnt him a Cricket NSW award named in his honour.
The inaugural Michael Bevan One-Day Cup Player of the Year Medal was revealed on Tuesday, and it will be presented on Thursday to the player voted best by his peers in the 2021-22 Blues side.
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The former Weston Creek player will be on hand to present the award and said he was honoured with the gesture.
"It's a bit of a buzz, and obviously strong recognition of a snapshot of my career," Bevan said.
"I'm very happy Cricket NSW has given me this honour.
"When I played for NSW, I always strived to do my best and to achieve goals. If this medal can play some sort of role in helping a young cricketer's aspirations, then that's great."
The 51-year-old was regarded as the world's best limited-overs batter during his decade-long reign in the Australia team, having played 232 one-day matches and scoring 6912 runs at an average of 53.58 from 1994-2004.
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Despite being a Canberran he played most of his one-day domestic career for the NSW Blues. Between 1990-2003, Bevan scored 2400 limited overs runs in that arena at an average of 61.53. He scored one century - an unbeaten 135 - and 21 half centuries.
Cricket NSW chief executive officer Lee Germon said the medal was a worthy honour for Bevan, a player who he described as a great cricketer whose feats would help to inspire future generations of players.
"Michael is deservedly remembered as a wholehearted team player," he said.
"He was someone who knew how to bring the best out of his teammates in pressure situations; such as that memorable night in 1996 when he teamed up with No.11 batter Glenn McGrath to guide the Aussies home against the West Indies.
"Michael was the consummate professional who established a reputation for being at 'home' in situations on the cricket field that would've tested the nerve of any cricketer - chasing high targets with only tailenders as his support.
"His immense faith in his ability, which I understand was forged by hours in the nets, meant he usually passed these challenges with flying colours."
