England women up for honours

England women and Holly Colvin have been nominated in the Sunday Times Sportswomen of the Year Awards which will be announced at Lord’s on February 12.

The England team have been nominated for Team of the Year while Colvin has been nominated for the Young Sportswoman of the Year.

England had a phenomenal 2008, retaining the Ashes in Australia in February and then beating New Zealand, West Indies, South Africa and India in one-day series across the year.

They are currently on a run of 15 one-day and Twenty20 internationals unbeaten as they head into the busiest year in their history.

England women and coaching staff enjoy one of a host of victories during a hugely successful 2008

The World Cup is just around the corner in Australia from March 7-22, the ICC World Twenty20 is next in England in June, followed swiftly by the NatWest Women’s Series and the npower Women’s Ashes Test.

Colvin has continued to play a pivotal role for England since her debut in 2005. She was named the NatWest Women’s Player of the Series against South Africa last summer and in August received straight As for her A-Level results.

The 19-year-old is currently on a gap year before embarking on a university degree in Natural Sciences at Durham University.

Clare Connor, ECB head of women’s cricket, said: “I'm delighted that England women's cricket has two shortlisted nominations in the Sunday Times Sportswomen of the Year Awards 2008.

“Our England women's team has had an unprecedented year, winning 19 out of 23 internationals including series wins against Australia, New Zealand, West Indies, India and South Africa.

“We're so proud of their collective efforts under the inspiring leadership of Charlotte Edwards.

“And for the second time in four years, 19-year-old Holly Colvin has been shortlisted for Young Sportswoman of the Year for her efforts as our leading spin bowler - a fantastic achievement for such a young international sportswoman.”