Edwards takes women's award

Charlotte Edwards has been rewarded for an excellent year for England women

England captain Charlotte Edwards has won the Women’s Cricketer of the Year award at the LG ICC awards ceremony in Dubai.

During the voting period Edwards played 18 ODIs for England scoring 492 runs at the top of the order at an average of 54.66. She also took 15 wickets at 19.03.

In the only Test match she played during the voting period, Edwards scored 94 and 14 not out as England beat Australia by six wickets at Bowral, New South Wales, to retain the Ashes.

The 28-year-old Kent player took the award ahead of team-mate Claire Taylor, Nicola Browne of New Zealand and Australia’s Lisa Sthalekar.

Accepting the award in Dubai from India legend Ravi Shastri, Edwards said: “Winning the Ashes in Australia was the highlight of the year for me. It was a great feeling.

“The ICC World Twenty20 is the talk of England at the moment and getting the chance to play in that alongside the guys is great for us. Before that, of course, we have the ICC Women’s World Cup in Australia so it’s a big year ahead for us.

“This is a massive night for women’s cricket. It’s a huge honour for me to be involved with a ceremony like this – I’m so glad that the ICC is recognising the women’s game. It’s a big moment for the other girls who have been nominated for this and I am honoured to be included in that shortlist, let alone win it.

“Women’s cricket has a big year ahead. It’s fantastic for the game and an exciting time to be involved in women’s cricket,” she said.

Congratulating Edwards, KW Kim, chief executive of LG Electronics Middle East and Africa Regional Company, said: “I am pleased to declare that women’s cricket is alive and thriving due to the outstanding contributions and the determination of some of the finest players through the years.

“We are delighted that the ICC has recognized their achievements and has played a leading role in encouraging more women cricketers to actively take up the sport. Charlotte’s efforts in the past 12 months or so have been remarkable and she fully deserves this award.”