The stage is set for one of the most anticipated accolades in women’s international cricket as the International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced the shortlist for the ICC Heyhoe Flint Award of the Year 2023, honoring the unparalleled contributions of female cricketers to the sport. The distinguished shortlist, revealed on Friday, January 5, is headlined by Australia’s dynamic all-rounder Ashleigh Gardner and England’s cricketing powerhouse Natalie Sciver-Brunt.
Ashleigh Gardner, at 26, has shot to prominence on the international stage with a staggering 58 wickets across all formats in the calendar year, outdoing her peers to become the leading wicket-taker in both One Day Internationals (ODIs) and Test matches in 2023. Complementing her bowling prowess, Gardner has also excelled with the bat, amassing a total of 481 runs, showcasing her versatility and earning her a spot among the elite.
England’s Natalie Sciver-Brunt has not trailed far behind in making her mark on the global cricketing map. Claiming the apex position in the ICC ODI Batting rankings, Sciver-Brunt has forged a path of success with an impressive tally of 894 runs in international fixtures during the year. Additional to her batting exploits, she has captured nine wickets and taken eight catches, fortifying her candidature for winning the prestigious award for a second consecutive year.
Adding to the competition are the other two nominees, both of whom have had remarkable years on the field. Australian batter Beth Mooney has been nothing short of a run-machine, accumulating an impressive total of 1040 international runs. Moreover, Mooney, with her sharp fielding skills, has secured 12 catches, highlighting her significant contribution to Australia’s cricketing dominance.
Sri Lanka’s captain, Chamari Athapaththu, stands out with her consistency and masterclass batting throughout the year. The Sri Lankan stalwart amassed 885 runs over merely 24 international innings, a testament to her enduring form and tenacity at the crease.
The announcement of these nominees underscores the ongoing evolution and competitive spirit of women’s cricket worldwide. However, notably absent from the list are players from the Indian contingent, with no female cricketer from the country securing a nomination this year. Despite displaying moments of brilliance with Test wins against cricketing titans such as Australia and England on home soil, the Indian women’s team faced setbacks, including lackluster performances in the white-ball series last month, resulting in their omission from this year’s nominations.
These nominations arrive amid a transformative year for the ICC, which has seen significant changes including adjustments to stumping referrals and a shift in the ICC Test rankings, leading to Australia’s ascendence to the top, dethroning India.
The anticipation is high among fans and pundits alike as they await the announcement of the winner of the ICC Heyhoe Flint Award 2023, an event that will once again put the spotlight on the extraordinary talent and achievements of the world’s finest female cricketers. The award not only recognizes stellar performances but also inspires countless aspiring sportswomen to chase their dreams on the cricket field.
As the countdown to the ICC’s marquee event begins, the cricketing community looks on with bated breath to see which of these exceptional nominees will walk away with one of the highest honors in the game. A celebratory occasion for the players and the sport, the ICC Heyhoe Flint Award is a symbol of excellence in women’s cricket and a beacon that continues to drive the sport forward.
