Jason Arnberger

A long-term back injury kept Jason Arnberger on the sidelines for the whole of 2006-07 and led to his omission from Victoria's list of contracted players for the next season. It was a disappointing result for the man who had become a formidable presence at the top of the Victorian order since moving there in 1997-98 to avoid the blocks of Mark Taylor and Michael Slater at New South Wales. An unhurried and calm right-hander, Arnberger became such a valuable member for the Bushrangers that he occupies seventh place on the state's run list with 5504 at 42.01. Three seasons ago his career was threatened by a back problem but he recovered to muster 639 runs and three hundreds and followed up in 2005-06 with 721 at 45.06, a campaign that won him the state's Player of the Year award. The out-ground match against New South Wales in Lismore was the peak as he gathered an unbeaten 239, which followed his 142 against South Australia.

A capable scorer at crucial times, Arnberger added twin half-centuries to end a poor summer in the 2003-04 Pura Cup final against Queensland. Owning a method not suited to one-dayers - his last appearance was in 2002-03 - he showed during the Bushrangers' win he could turn on the power by blasting three sixes from Nathan Hauritz in an over that went for 24. Arnberger's best season was in 1999-2000, when he established himself as a first-choice opener with 869 runs and a record-breaking stand of 353 with Matthew Elliott against Tasmania. Nicknamed "Cheese", Arnberger is happy to pass on his experience off the field as a batting coach.
Cricinfo staff June 2007