Ben Stokes wins PCA Players’ ‘Player of the Year’ award
England all-rounder Ben Stokes on Wednesday was named the Professional Cricketers’ Association Players’ Player of the Year. Stokes had an incredible summer with match-winning performances in the 2019 World Cup and the Ashes.
The 28-year-old became the sixth player to have won the Young Player of the Year and the Player of the Year award. He edged past Englishmen Ryan Higgins, Dominic Sibley and Simon Harmer. Stokes scored a vital 84 against New Zealand in the final that guided England to their maiden World Cup title. His epic 135* against Australia in the third Ashes Test helped England clinch a thrilling victory at Headingley.
“It’s hard to put it into words,” said Ben Stokes.
“I am over the moon that players think I am worthy of winning the PCA Players’ Player of the Year through performances this summer.”
Ecclestone creates history
Left-arm spinner Sophie Ecclestone became the first player to win the Women’s Player of the Summer for the second time. The 20-year-old had a stunning 2018 and is now a permanent fixture in the England side. She was England’s leading wicket-taker in the series against the West Indies and the Women’s Ashes this summer.
“The PCA Awards is always a great evening and it’s amazing to be voted the NatWest Women’s Player of the Summer by the girls,” Ecclestone said.
“The highlight was definitely when we came back and won the last T20I. It was really nice to end on a high and show that we’re a team to be reckoned with at the T20 World Cup next year. The big goal is to get ready for that World Cup and show everyone what we’re all about,” she added.
Banton bags big honours
Meanwhile, 20-year old Tom Banton walked away with the Young Player of the Year award. Along with Pakistan’s Babar Azam, Banton was on a run-making spree for Somerset in the T20 Blast this season with 549 runs. He also had a memorable stint (454 runs at 41.27) at the Royal London One-Day Cup, helping the club lift the coveted trophy for the first time in 14 years.
“I am very grateful and thankful to those guys who voted for me, I never expected it to be honest looking at the other nominees,” said Banton.
“If someone had told me the year I would’ve had at the start of the season I wouldn’t have believed them. I have altered some technical faults I had at the beginning of the year with Marcus Trescothick. He has helped me a lot this year and has made me believe I can go all the way,” he added.
England bowlers Chris Woakes and Stuart Broad were named ODI and Test player of the year respectively.
