As the curtains fall on yet another exhilarating Australian summer of cricket, it’s time to honor the standout performers who have graced the field with their exceptional skills and dedication. Throughout the season, teams battled it out in various competitions, showcasing their talent and resilience. Let’s take a closer look at the prestigious Cricket Australia State Cricket Awards and the deserving winners who have left an indelible mark on the cricketing stage.
Western Australia emerged as the frontrunners, clinching victories in both the Sheffield Shield and Marsh One-Day Cup tournaments. Meanwhile, Tasmania etched their name in history by securing their third consecutive Women’s National Cricket League (WNCL) title. In the Women’s Big Bash League, the Adelaide Strikers shone brightly, clinching back-to-back crowns.
Individual Brilliance:
Amidst the team’s triumphs, individual brilliance shined throughout the season. From seasoned veterans to rising stars, each player showcased their capabilities. Let’s delve into some of the standout performers and their well-deserved accolades:
Nicola Carey (Tasmania)- Named the Women’s National Cricket League Player of the Year, Carey’s outstanding all-round performances highlighted her invaluable contribution to Tasmania’s success. With 13 matches under her belt, she accumulated 696 runs at an average of 69.6, along with 14 crucial wickets.
Chamari Athapaththu (Sydney Thunder) – Athapaththu’s stellar display in the Women’s Big Bash League earned her the Player of the Year title. In 15 matches, she showcased her batting prowess with 552 runs at an impressive average of 42.46, while also chipping in with 9 wickets.
Ashleigh Gardner (New South Whales) – Recognized as the Lord’s Taverners Indigenous Cricketer of the Year, Gardner’s achievements exemplify her unwavering commitment to the sport. Gardner’s remarkable performances over the past 12 months have solidified her status as one of the standout cricketers on the global stage. She amassed 289 runs and claimed an impressive tally of 21 wickets in the WBBL. She was included in both the ICC ODI and T20I Teams of the Year highlighting her exceptional talent and impact on the field. In the Women’s Ashes Test against England at Trent Bridge she claimed a remarkable 12-wicket haul, including the outstanding match-winning figures of 8-66 in the second innings.
The Australian Capital Territory Meteors– the Richie Benaud Spirit of Cricket Award was awarded to ACT Meteors for having played in the best spirit and with the greatest respect for the game.
New South Wales –
Tahlia Wilson‘s impressive performances earned her the Belinda Clark Medal and the WNCL Player of the Year award. In 12 matches, she scored 377 runs at an average of 31.41, including a century.
Chamari Athapaththu was honored with the Alex Blackwell Medal for her exceptional performance as a player of the year for Sydney Thunder in the WBBL. Her outstanding contributions throughout the season earned her this prestigious award.
Ellyse Perry won the Player of the Year for Sydney Sixers in the WBBL. In 13 matches, Perry scored a total of 496 runs at an impressive average of 45.09, with a highest score of 82 not out, with a strike rate of 131.56. Additionally, Perry claimed 13 wickets at an average of 7.55 runs per over, with a best bowling performance of 5/22. Her remarkable all-round performance earned her the title of Sydney Sixers WBBL Player of the Year.
Victoria –
Nicole Faltum‘s exceptional performance in the WNCL earned her the esteemed Sharon Tredrea Award. Faltum accumulated 361 runs, with a highest score of 86, showcasing her ability to anchor innings effectively.
Sophie Day emerged as a standout player, earning the recognition of her peers as the Women’s Players’ Player. Day claimed 15 wickets in 13 matches with an impressive best bowling figure of 4/42.
Annabel Sutherland stood tall for the Melbourne Stars, securing the Players of the Season award. Sutherland’s all-around capabilities shone through with 288 runs, 23 wickets, and 11 catches highlighting her valuable contribution to the team.
Georgia Wareham made her mark for the Melbourne Renegades, earning the Players of the Season accolade. Wareham’s contributions with both bat and ball, including 295 runs and 14 wickets, played a pivotal role in the Renegades’ performances throughout the season.
Tasmania –
Nicola Carey‘s contributions were duly recognized with the Veronica Pyke Award, signifying her as the Female Tigers Player of the Year. Carey’s consistent performances with both bat and ball highlighted her importance to the team’s success. With 13 matches, she accumulated 696 runs at an average of 69.6, along with 14 crucial wickets.
Lizelle Lee‘s exceptional performance for the Hobart Hurricanes in the 09 WBBL earned her the Player of the Tournament title. Lee accumulated 409 runs at a remarkable strike rate of 146.07 and was fruitful in the Hurricanes’ campaign.
Hayley Silver-Holmes was acknowledged as the Female Young Player of the Year for her promising displays in the WNCL, showcasing her potential with both bat and ball. In 13 matches, she scored 83 runs, scoring 43 as the highest score, and claimed 12 wickets, with her best figure being 3/26, at the economy of 4.51.
Elyse Villani‘s consistent performances earned her the Chairman’s Award, reflecting her invaluable contributions to the team’s success. Villani accumulated 346 runs at an average of 28.83 in 12 matches for Tasmania.
Emma Manix-Geeves scored 513 runs for the Greater Northern Raiders and contributed 245 runs for Tasmania in the WNCL. Her season-long contribution to Tasmania’s domestic setup was recognized by Tigers captain Ellyse Villani, receiving the Female Tigers Captain’s Award.
South Australia –
Amanda-Jade Wellington‘s exceptional all-round performance earned her the prestigious Andrea McCauley Medal. Wellington’s ability to contribute with both bat and ball is evidenced by her 304 runs with 73 runs as her individual highest and 19 wickets in 12 matches.
Katie Mack was recognized as the Strikers WBBL MVP, highlighting her impact with the bat for the Adelaide Strikers. Mack’s consistency and ability to anchor innings were pivotal in the Strikers’ success in the WBBL.
Bridget Patterson‘s contributions to team culture were acknowledged with the Tegan McPharlin Award, reflecting her commitment to fostering a positive environment within the team. Patterson’s leadership off the field complemented her performances on it.
Febi Mansel was honored as the State Indigenous Female Player of the Year, recognizing her achievements and contributions to cricket. Her dedication to the sport was celebrated through this prestigious award.
Western Australia –
Amy Edgar‘s outstanding performances earned her the prestigious Zoë Goss Medal, recognizing her as the standout player of the season. Edgar’s contributions were significant, amassing 452 runs with a highest score of 86, showcasing her ability to anchor innings effectively.
In addition to her success in domestic cricket, her stellar performances in the WNCL were duly recognized as she clinched the WNCL Player of the Year award. Edgar’s all-around skills were on display with 227 runs and 17 wickets, demonstrating her versatility and value to the team.
Sophie Devine‘s remarkable contributions with both bat and ball earned her the Perth Scorchers WBBL Player of the Year title. With 15 matches to her name, she accumulated 489 runs at an average of 37.61, while also claiming 14 wickets.
Maddy Darke‘s emergence as a rising star was celebrated with the Female Rising Star award. Darke’s impressive performances with the bat, including 458 runs at an impressive average of 50.88, showcased her potential and promise for the future of Western Australian cricket.
Piepa Cleary‘s commitment to team values and spirit was acknowledged with the Legacy Award. Cleary’s contributions with the ball, claiming 12 wickets in 12 matches with her 4/19 being her best figure.