ECB team scoops major gong

The ECB’s Sports Science and Medicine team was named Sports and Exercise Team of the Year last night at the British Medical Journal’s annual awards ceremony.

The team, which is based at the National Cricket Performance Centre at Loughborough University, landed the prestigious award for their work in developing injury surveillance systems, tackling mental health issues in cricket and improving helmet safety.

They received the award from Dr Andrew Deaner, the cardiologist who ran on to the pitch to help Bolton Wanderers footballer Fabrice Muamba during an FA Cup tie with Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane earlier this year.

The BMJ Group Improving Health Awards are designed to honour those who have made outstanding contributions to healthcare and other nominees in the Sports and Exercise category included the British Horseracing Authority and the Paralympic GB Healthcare team.

The ECB's managing director of England cricket Hugh Morris said: “Our sports science and medicine team has made a very significant contribution to the success of both the England men’s and women’s teams in recent years.

“But they also play a vital role in improving the quality of medical and sports science provision throughout the domestic first-class game and we are delighted that their innovative and groundbreaking work has received national recognition.

“This award is thoroughly well-deserved and we congratulate the entire team at Loughborough on their achievement.”