Cricket Stars Shine at the 2024 CWC Awards

At the 2024 Cricket Writers’ Club (CWC) awards, Gus Atkinson was honoured with the Bob Willis Trophy as England’s standout player of the year. The Surrey pacer, who made a striking debut in July, dominated his Test series against the West Indies by taking 22 wickets across three matches, marking him as the series’ leading player.

The Women's Cricket Award went to Sophie Ecclestone, the world’s top-ranked bowler in both white-ball formats, while Shoaib Bashir, aged 21, claimed the prestigious Young Player of the Year award, an accolade dating back to 1950. Additionally, cricket veteran James Anderson and the team behind the BBC Sounds podcast Tailenders were presented with the Peter Smith Award for their exceptional efforts in popularising cricket.

Hampshire’s all-rounder Liam Dawson earned the title of County Championship Player of the Year, while 20-year-old Ryana MacDonald-Gay, representing Surrey and Oval Invincibles, took home the Emerging Cricketer of the Year award. 

Atkinson’s rise to prominence included winning the Bob Willis Trophy, awarded annually to England’s top cricketer. His debut Test at Lord’s saw him claim 12 wickets, helping England secure an innings victory over the West Indies by 114 runs. Later, he returned to Lord’s to score his first century against Sri Lanka, becoming the first England number eight in 11 years to achieve this feat. Reflecting on his accomplishments, Atkinson remarked that his summer journey surpassed his expectations, and receiving this recognition was the perfect finale. His most cherished moments included his 12-wicket debut and his century against Sri Lanka.

Ecclestone, at 25, made history as the fastest woman to take 100 ODI wickets, reaching the milestone in 63 matches and breaking the previous record set by Australia’s Cathryn Fitzpatrick, who achieved it in 64 innings.

Off-spinner Shoaib Bashir joined the ranks of cricket legends like Sir Geoffrey Boycott and Sir Ian Botham after winning Young Player of the Year. At 20 years old, Bashir became England’s youngest bowler to secure a five-wicket haul in a home Test, achieving 5-41 against the West Indies at Trent Bridge. Expressing gratitude, he stated his dedication to representing his country, with hopes for a long career ahead.

2024 CWC Annual Award Winners

- Bob Willis Trophy: Gus Atkinson  

- Women's Cricket Award: Sophie Ecclestone  

- Young Cricketer of the Year: Shoaib Bashir  

- County Championship Player of the Year: Liam Dawson  

- Emerging Cricketer of the Year: Ryana MacDonald-Gay  

- Disability Cricketer of the Year: Brendon Parr  

- Peter Smith Award: James Anderson and the Tailenders cast  

- Derek Hodgson Book Award: David Kynaston and Harry Ricketts for Richie Benaud's Blue Suede Shoes

These awards celebrate the dedication, skill, and impact of England's top cricketers and serve as a testament to their achievements in the game.