Gus Atkinson’s remarkable debut summer for England has earned him the prestigious Bob Willis Trophy, awarded to England’s Player of the Year. Atkinson, who burst onto the Test scene with both bat and ball, collected 34 wickets and scored a memorable maiden Test century during a season to remember. The young fast bowler was celebrated at the annual Cricket Writers’ Club (CWC) Awards ceremony held at the Kia Oval on Tuesday.
Atkinson’s outstanding contributions included 12 wickets on his Test debut and his crucial performance in England’s series victory over Sri Lanka, with his maiden Test century against the visitors at Lord’s being a standout moment of the summer.
“I was just hoping to make my England Test debut, and to have the summer that I’ve had, it’s a huge honour and to get this award at the end of it tops it off,” Atkinson said. “My debut, obviously taking 12 wickets was very special, and playing in Jimmy Anderson’s last Test was a big honour. Probably my favourite moment was that century against Sri Lanka.”
Shoaib Bashir Named NV Play Young Player of the Year
Shoaib Bashir, the 21-year-old England spinner, has been named the NV Play Young Player of the Year after a breakthrough year that saw him take three Test five-wicket hauls, including a match-winning spell in England’s series against the West Indies. Bashir’s rapid rise from relative obscurity to first-choice spinner for England was a testament to his hard work and talent.
“Two years ago, I didn’t have a county,” Bashir said, reflecting on his journey. “It’s been really special. With a lot of hard work, I’m thankful to be playing for my country. Long may it continue. It was very special, first time I’d played at Trent Bridge. For me to take that last wicket and seal the deal to make it 2-0 in the series, it was one of the highlights of my season.”
Other Award Winners
The CWC Awards also celebrated a host of other notable performances across the game. Sophie Ecclestone, England’s world-class left-arm spinner, was presented with the JM Finn Women’s Cricket Award while emerging all-rounder Ryana MacDonald-Gay was named the Emerging Cricketer of the Year.
In addition, Liam Dawson, who had already been named the Professional Cricketers’ Association Men’s Player of the Year, claimed the County Championship Award, reflecting his vital role in Hampshire’s domestic success.
England’s Physical Disability Cricket star, Brendon Parr, received the Lord’s Taverners Disability Cricketer of the Year Award. Parr, a key figure in England’s Disability Cricket team, was lauded for his outstanding contributions to the game.
The Peter Smith Award, recognizing exceptional work in bringing cricket to the public, was presented to James Anderson and the team behind the popular *Tailenders* podcast, which continues to connect with fans in unique and entertaining ways. Meanwhile, David Kynaston and Harry Ricketts’ *Richie Benaud’s Blue Suede Shoes* won the Derek Hodgson Cricket Book of the Year award.
A Year of Change and Excellence
Dean Wilson, chair of the Cricket Writers’ Club, acknowledged the diverse and exciting contributions across the cricketing landscape in 2024. He highlighted how, in a year of unprecedented change, these awards provided an opportunity to pause and reflect on the outstanding efforts that continue to bring joy to cricket fans worldwide.
“Whether it is the skill and guile of Sophie Ecclestone and Shoaib Bashir, or the excellence of Gus Atkinson or Brendon Parr, there has been much to admire. Long may that continue,” Wilson said.
Also read: David Warner Named Sydney Thunder Captain After Leadership Ban Overturned
As the awards season concludes, it’s clear that 2024 has been another exceptional year for English cricket, with new stars emerging and established players continuing to shine at the highest level.
