By Salma El-Sakka
England seamer Ollie Robinson has been awarded the Bob Willis Trophy as England cricketer of the year at the Vitality Cricket Media Club Awards held at Lord's. The 32-year-old made a striking return to the Test side this summer after two-and-a-half years out of favour, claiming 28 wickets at an average of 9.32 against New Zealand and Pakistan in just four appearances.
Robinson is now set for a key role in England's winter red-ball programme, which includes tours to South Africa, Bangladesh and the 150th anniversary Test in Melbourne, before next summer's home Ashes series. "It's a huge honour to receive this award," he said. "After spending such a long time away from the England side, to come back and have the summer I've had has been incredibly special. I've absolutely loved being back playing for England and hopefully there's plenty more to come."
Other award winners
Middlesex pace bowler Naavya Sharma, currently touring the West Indies with England Lions, won the NV Play young cricketer of the year award. Teenage spinner Tilly Corteen-Coleman, 19, took the Vitality women's young cricketer of the year prize after debuting in both white-ball formats this summer. Kirstie Gordon received the JM Finn women's cricket award for captaining The Blaze to a domestic treble, while Angus Brown was named England's disability player of the year. Warwickshire's Ethan Bamber, who led the County Championship with 69 wickets, claimed the Borders Distillery County Championship player of the year award.
