Boult, Devine declared T20I players of the year at ANZ awards

The veteran seamer Trent Boult and the experienced White Ferns' opener Sophie Devine have been named the T20I players of the year in the men's and women's categories, respectively, at the recently conducted ANZ awards 2022. Both Boult and Devine were exceptional for their teams in the last year and, therefore, thoroughly deserve the acknowledgement.

Boult had 23 dismissals to his name from 15 matches in the last season. Moreover, the left-arm swing bowler had a massive hand behind the Black Caps, reaching the finals in the 2021 T20 world cup, as he picked 13 wickets in 7 games at an economy of 6.25. Similarly, Devine contributed with the bat and the ball, as the seasoned campaigner scored 114 runs and had eight priceless scalps to her name in 2021. 

In his reaction, Boult said that he enjoys bowling in the shortest format and constantly tries to evolve as a T20 bowler. However, he also admitted to being grateful for receiving the prestigious award. 

"T20 is a format I really enjoy, and one I'm constantly trying to adapt in order to become a better bowler," Boult said. "It means a lot. It's something very special to win this award, and I feel really grateful to receive it," he further added. 

Apart from these two players, Amelia Kerr and Michael Bracewell were also among the awardees as they received the Super Smash players of the year in their respective categories. Kerr has been sensational for quite a while now. In the Women's Super Smash, the allrounder from Wellington slammed 346 runs and took 17 wickets as well, thereby playing a significant role in Wellington's victorious campaign. 

On the other hand, Bracewell was also exceptional in the men's Super Smash as the dynamic southpaw top-scored in the tournament with 478 runs at an impressive strike rate of 148.90. 

In her reaction, 21-year-old Kerr said, "For me, the focus is on just trying to enjoy my cricket. I'd worked hard throughout that last winter, so it was pleasing to go out there and perform in the season. I absolutely love playing for the Blaze, and to complete an unbeaten season was really special." 

Among other players, the Auckland tweaker Fran Jonas and the Otago batter Jacob Cumming received the 'young players of the year' award, whereas Ross Taylor's final wicket in his last Test against Bangladesh in Christchurch was voted as the 'fan moment of the summer.