The England Women’s Cricket Team were today awarded the Team of the Year at The Sunday Times Sportswomen of the Year Awards for the second time in four years.
The award, which was presented to four members of the team by Lawrence Dallaglio at Lord’s, was won on the back of the team’s magnificent performances throughout 2008. England retained the Ashes in Australia in February and then beat New Zealand, West Indies, South Africa and India in one-day series throughout the year. They are currently on a run of 14 one-day international matches unbeaten.
On accepting the award, batter Claire Taylor, who also currently tops the ICC women’s batting rankings said: “It’s absolutely brilliant to be recognised at an awards ceremony like this one. We faced some tough competition from the fantastic ‘three blondes in a boat’ and the England Women’s Rugby team, so we’re really delighted. It’s a great achievement.”
England will embark on their busiest year ever as they head to Australia next week to compete in the ICC Women’s World Cup staged in New South Wales from March 7-22. The ICC World Twenty20 follows in England in June and then the npower women’s Ashes Test will be played in Worcester in July.
Mark Lane, England women’s head coach commented: “I’m really thrilled for everyone involved.
“We appreciate all the hard work that everyone puts into the women’s game and to win such a prestigious award as this puts the England team right in the spotlight. This award also highlights all the hard work that people at all levels of the game from Chance to Shine through to county coaches put in to achieve results.”
Clare Connor, head of women’s cricket at ECB added: “This award is a huge honour for all those involved in women’s cricket in this country. The England team did the ECB proud rising to every challenge that 2008 threw at them, from retaining the Ashes to winning every one-day international series throughout the summer.
“To win this award after so many brilliant team performances including those from our Olympic teams shows that women’s cricket is attracting the recognition that it deserves.
“I would personally like to congratulate the team and Charlotte Edwards for her leadership during this successful period.”
For further information contact Imogen Gaunt on [email protected]
