Lehmann chosen as Pura Milk Cup Player of the Season

Southern Redbacks batsman Darren Lehmann has been chosen as the Pura Milk Cup Player of the Season, it was announced today.

Lehmann won the award by topping a poll of umpires standing in domestic first-class matches through the season and will collect $8000 for his efforts.

The left-hander scored 995 runs in only nine matches during the season including six hundreds, four of them in his first four matches of the summer.

The award was voted on by both standing umpires in each match on a 3-2-1 basis with Lehmann polling the maximum six votes three times.

Lehmann's efforts left him clear of two pace bowlers, Michael Kasprowicz of the Queensland Bulls, and Brad Williams of the Western Warriors.

Kasprowicz took 42 wickets in only six matches, form that earned him an international recall, while Williams captured 50 wickets in a successful first season in the West after moving from the Victorian Bushrangers in the winter.

Despite his prolific form over a number of years at State level, including topping 1000 first-class runs in a domestic season three times, it is the first time Lehmann has won the award, formerly known as the Sheffield Shield Player of the Year.

And the prize completes a notable double for the 30-year-old, who also won the State Player of the Year at the 1999/2000 Allan Border Medal awards night.

Commenting on the award, Lehmann said: "It's always gratifying to be acknowledged for your efforts so to receive the Pura Milk Cup Player of the Season award is a great feeling.

"I've been pretty happy with the way I've played this season and my goal now has to be matching that level of performance next summer.

"If I can do that, I can hopefully help to ensure the Redbacks are in the shake-up for some silverware and also press my claims for an international recall as I feel I still have plenty to offer at the highest level."