Wisden named leading cricketers of the year

The latest edition of the Wisden Cricketers’ Almanac has crowned Australian skipper Pat Cummins and England all-rounder Nat Sciver-Brunt as the leading cricketers of the world. This recognition is a testament to their exceptional performances through the 2023 season, marking significant milestones not only in their careers but also in cricket history.

Test Championship and World Cup Success

Pat Cummins led Australia to historical victories in 2023, securing their maiden ICC World Test Championship against India and capturing their sixth ICC Cricket World Cup title in Ahmedabad. As a pace spearhead and astute leader, Cummins’ role was pivotal in navigating his team through the high stakes of international cricket.

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Cummins is the first Aussie since Michael Clarke to secure the top honour and he has succeeded Ben Stokes, the English skipper who won the honour three times in 2020, 2021 and 2023. In 11 Tests last year, he took 42 wickets and scored 254 crucial runs at an average of 15.87. Across 24 international games, he took 59 wickets and made 422 runs at an average of 21.10. Within these 422 runs were many small, but impactful batting contributions throughout the Ashes and Cricket World Cup.

Key Performances in the Ashes

Beyond the global tournaments, Cummins also played a crucial part in the Ashes, where Australia defended the urn in a challenging away series against England, which ended in a 2-2 draw. His leadership was particularly notable in maintaining team morale and strategy across different formats.

Overview of Nat Sciver-Brunt’s Stellar Year

Nat Sciver-Brunt shone brilliantly in the women’s Ashes, contributing significantly to England’s victories. Her back-to-back centuries in the ODIs underscored her critical role in the lineup, making her one of the most formidable batters of the year.

Sciver-Brunt’s prowess wasn’t limited to ODIs. In T20 internationals, she maintained an impressive batting average and took multiple wickets, highlighting her versatility and consistency as an all-rounder. Her rapid century against Sri Lanka set a new record for the fastest ODI hundred by an England woman, further cementing her status in international cricket.

Highlights from Other Prominent Cricketers in 2024

Mitchell Starc, Usman Khawaja, and Ashleigh Gardner were also recognized for their performances. Starc’s bowling was instrumental in both the Ashes and the World Cup, while Khawaja topped the run charts in the Ashes. Gardner’s all-round abilities were crucial in Australia’s strategies and victories across formats.

Harry Brook and Mark Wood made significant impacts for England. Brook’s resilient batting helped turn around the Ashes series, while Wood’s fast bowling dismantled key partnerships during crucial matches.

The Wisden Awards hold a prestigious place in cricket, acknowledging individual excellence and influence on the sport’s landscape. These accolades not only highlight outstanding performances but also inspire upcoming talents across the globe.

This year’s Wisden also highlighted other cricketers like Hayley Matthews, who excelled in T20 cricket, demonstrating the increasing competitiveness and skill in the women’s game.

The achievements of these cricketers in 2023 have not only enriched their personal careers but also significantly influenced cricket strategies and fan engagement worldwide. The rise of aggressive playing styles, often referred to as “Bazball,” promises to reshape future approaches to cricket, particularly in Test formats.