England Trio secure Wisden Honour in a landmark for women's cricket

Wisden Cricketers’ Almanack is one of the highlights of the English domestic season. The lush green outfields are soon to be populated with the enthusiastic cheers of cricketers all over the land. When the day is over it is the pages of the old book that cricketers and fans alike turn to.

The previous year's exploits are read and remembered. The traditional yellow dust jacket encloses one of the real honours that can be bestowed upon any cricketer. One of those honours and tradition is to recognise five of the players who had the most impact on the game during the English cricket season.

It is an award that can be only won once by any one player. This year it is the turn of three of England Women’s World Cup winners, captain Heather Knight, along with teammates Nat Sciver and Anya Shrubsole.

When you consider that only two women have won this award in the history of the cricketing Bible,this makes an achievement. Shrubsole was almost certain to feature on the inside pages of the book, considering she is the star of the cover.

Nat Sciver is rewarded for her attacking and inventive batting including the ‘Natmeg’ that caught the attention of the cricketing world.

They were led by Heather Knight who had the weight of the nation on her shoulders leading her side in front of a packed Lord’s. It was an achievement when after losing the competition’s opener they won every game including a close game against Australia in the group stages and then the thrilling semi-finals and final against South Africa and India respectively.

The previous women to have won the award are Claire Taylor (2009) and Charlotte Edwards (2014), also World Cup winners.

It is also the first year since 2002 that none of the England men’s side has failed to win the award. Which testament to the way that the Women’s World Cup captured the public all over the world.