In a landmark moment for English cricket, Nat Sciver-Brunt has become the first English woman to be bestowed with the prestigious honor of being named one of the leading cricketers in the world by Wisden.
Alongside her, Australian captain Pat Cummins has also been recognized for his stellar performances, leading his side to triumphs in the World Test Championship and the 50-over World Cup.
The announcement was made as part of the annual Wisden Cricketers’ Almanack release, a revered tradition in the cricketing world. Sciver-Brunt, aged 31, emerged as the “dominant batter in women’s cricket,” according to Wisden editor Lawrence Booth.
Her remarkable feats included three centuries in just five one-day internationals, a feat highlighted by two centuries in three days during the Ashes series and another blazing century off just 66 balls against Sri Lanka.
Meanwhile, Cummins, aged 30, not only guided his team to global glory but also played a pivotal role in retaining the Ashes in England.
His late-order batting heroics during a thrilling run-chase in the first Test at Edgbaston showcased his all-round prowess, solidifying his reputation as one of the finest cricketers of his generation.
Joining Sciver-Brunt and Cummins in the limelight are five other standout performers who have been recognized for their outstanding contributions to the sport.
Among them are England’s Harry Brook and Mark Wood, along with Australian trio Usman Khawaja, Mitchell Starc, and Ashleigh Gardner.
Brook, aged 25, showcased his batting prowess with four half-centuries during the Ashes series, while the inclusion of 34-year-old pace bowler Wood in the England side from the third Test onwards proved instrumental in the hosts’ remarkable comeback from a 2-0 deficit to draw the series 2-2.
On the Australian front, opener Usman Khawaja’s tally of 496 runs stood out as the highest on either side during the Ashes, while left-arm pace bowler Mitchell Starc’s haul of 24 wickets made him the leading wicket-taker in the series.
Not to be overshadowed, all-rounder Ashleigh Gardner’s stellar performances saw her named player of the tournament in the Women’s T20 World Cup in South Africa, followed by a remarkable display in the Women’s Ashes where she claimed 12 wickets in a single match.
In a historic moment for women’s cricket, West Indies’ all-rounder Hayley Matthews was named the leading T20 cricketer in the world, breaking records with her exceptional performances.
Matthews’ achievement, including being named player of the match in eight consecutive games, signifies the growing prominence and talent within the women’s game.
The Wisden awards, steeped in tradition dating back to 1889, highlight the pinnacle of individual excellence in cricket. Performances during the English summer play a significant role in the selection process, ensuring that the awards honor those who excel on the international stage.
As the cricketing world celebrates the achievements of these remarkable athletes, the recognition bestowed upon them by Wisden cements their status as true icons of the sport, inspiring future generations to strive for greatness on the hallowed cricket fields around the world.
This article was created using automation and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
