Victorian opening batsman Matthew Elliott is the 1998-99 Sheffield Shield Player of the Year, winning the award for the second time.

Elliott polled 21 votes in his seven games for the Bushrangers this summer, clinching the award ahead of Tasmania's Jamie Cox (18 votes), Western Australia's Simon Katich (18), Queenslander Stuart Law (17) and South Australian vice-captain Greg Blewett (15).

The umpires in each match award votes on a 3-2-1 basis and Elliott's victory was based around a stunning return of five centuries in his seven matches for Victoria, before heading to the Caribbean with the Australian team for its series against the West Indies.

The left-hander scored centuries in both matches against Tasmania, against South Australia in Melbourne and twin tons against New South Wales in Melbourne for an aggregate of 925 runs at 84.09.

Speaking from the Caribbean, Elliott said it was a great honour to become only the fifth dual winner since the award's inception in 1975-76, following in the footsteps of Ian Chappell, Greg Chappell, Allan Border and Mark Waugh.

"I'm honoured to get this award again because it's chosen by the umpires who watch every player at very close quarters," Elliott said.

"It's been great to be part of a re-vitalised Victorian team this year and I would like to particularly thank all my teammates and the Victorian coaching staff for their support.

"Our team is continuing to improve and it's very rewarding to get a measure of personal recognition for the work we have put in during this summer," he said.

Elliott wins $8000 for his efforts and a trophy.

© 1999 Australian Cricket Board