The old guard was on fire this Sheffield Shield season, with veterans such as Matthew Wade, Peter Siddle and Trent Copeland catching fire.

But a handful of under 23s showed through some standout performances that the future of Australian cricket is bright.

Here, foxsports.com.au takes a look at the young guns who stepped up this Shield season.

WILL PUCOVSKI
649 runs at 54.08, two centuries, HS 243
The 21-year-old ended the season as not only Australia’s most exciting young talent, but a Sheffield Shield champion too.

Pucovski established himself as a key member of the championship-winning Victoria side, making 649 runs at 54.08 from seven matches.

He made two centuries along the way; one of them being his 243 against Western Australia which made him the first since Ricky Ponting to smack a Shield double ton before his 21st birthday, and the ninth Australian ever.

A six-week break from the game due to mental health issues followed, although the knock was impressive enough for him to earn a call-up to the Test squad for the Sri Lanka series.

He played the rest of the season for Victoria, making two more half-centuries and an unbeaten 131 against Tasmania.

JOSH PHILIPPE
439 runs at 31.35, one century, HS 104
Having impressed in the Big Bash League, the 21-year-old also enjoyed a breakout campaign facing the red-ball.

The right-hander played in the majority of Western Australia’s matches, scoring 439 runs at 31.35 from the middle-order.

He proved to be a reliable, consistent performer in the back half of the season, scoring more than 30 in five of his last six innings.

Most notable, however, was his debut first-class ton, which he scored in the same match as Pucovski’s double-century in October.

The fact Philippe can also wear the gloves is another handy string to his bow.

RILEY MEREDITH
27 wickets at 28.96, economy 3.13, BBI 4-61
Philippe isn’t the only young gun who raised eyebrows in the BBL and backed it up in the Shield.

Tasmania’s Meredith also fits that bill having claimed 27 wickets from his eight matches at 28.96.

The 22-year-old has also built a reputation as one of the fastest bowlers on the domestic circuit after regularly reaching 145km/h in the BBL, and occasionally tipping 150km/h.

He became a staple in the Tigers’ attack this season, which was highlighted by two four-wicket hauls; one of which was against Victoria at the batsman-friendly MCG.

JACK EDWARDS
410 runs at 24.11, one century, HS 101
If the fact Edwards has already racked up 11 first-class appearances at the tender age of 18 isn’t enough, after this season he already has a century to his name too.

The NSW batsman’s century came in November when he scored 101 off 149 balls while batting at No.7 against Tasmania.

The second-half of Edwards’ season wasn’t as impressive and he failed to make a half-century against the Dukes ball.

Nonetheless, his 410 runs at 24.11 from down the order offered a glimpse of what we can expect in the future from the talented prospect.

JASON SANGHA
386 runs at 21.44, one century, HS 117
Edwards’ fellow NSW youngster Sangha enjoyed a similar season in the middle-order.

The Blues showed plenty of faith in the 19-year-old who played all 11 matches this season.

The learning curve is steep and Sangha struggled at times, as shown by his five ducks for the season.

But there was still reason to celebrate and be excited for the future after he notched his second first-class century, scoring 117 in the same match as the Australia under-19 teammates combined for 180 runs.

LLOYD POPE
Nine wickets at 51.33, economy 3.68, BBI 7-87
The flame-haired leg-spinner made his first-class debut for South Australia this season after he was billed as the next Shane Warne at the under-19s World Cup.

His overall figures leave plenty to be desired for the 19-year-old, although his stunning 7-87 in just his second match showed exactly why his name is on many people’s lips.