Cricket Writers’ Club awards: Gus Atkinson & Sophie Ecclestone win top honours

Atkinson won the Bob Willis Trophy, given to the England men’s or women’s player of the year, after an impressive start to his Test career.

The 26-year-old picked up 12 wickets in his debut Test at Lord’s as England beat West Indies by an innings and 114 runs, before adding match figures of 6-95 in Anderson’s farewell Test.

Atkinson returned to Lord’s in August to score his maiden century against Sri Lanka and become the first England number eight to make a Test ton in 11 years.

“I was just hoping to make my England Test debut, and to have the summer that I’ve had, it’s a huge honour and to get this award at the end of it tops it off,” Atkinson said.

“My debut, taking 12 wickets was very special, and playing in Jimmy’s last Test was a big honour. Probably my favourite moment was that century against Sri Lanka.”

Women’s Cricket Award winner Ecclestone, 25, became the fastest woman to take 100 ODI wickets earlier this year.

Reaching the mark in 63 innings, the left-arm spinner bettered the record of Australia’s Cathryn Fitzpatrick, who took one innings more to achieve the feat.

Off-spinner Bashir joined a starry list including Sir Geoffrey Boycott, Sir Ian Botham and Nasser Hussain by winning the Young Player of the Year award.

At 20 years and 282 days, he became the youngest England bowler to take a five-wicket innings haul in a home Test with 5-41 against West Indies at Trent Bridge.

“It’s been really special. With a lot of hard work, I’m thankful to be playing for my country. Long may it continue,” Bashir said.