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Gardner, Athapaththu Included As ICC Announces Women's ODI Player Of The Year Nominees

image-lqzfuepcAshleigh Gardner [X.com]

In a thrilling culmination to a remarkable year in women's cricket, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has unveiled the nominees for the prestigious ODI Cricketer of the Year 2023. The final four contenders showcase the pinnacle of talent and excellence in the 50-over format, with Ashleigh Gardner from Australia, Chamari Athapaththu representing Sri Lanka, England’s Nat Sciver-Brunt, and the ever-impressive New Zealand star, Amelia Kerr.

Australia's Ashleigh Gardner emerged as an actual Swiss Army knife on the field, exhibiting skills with both bat and ball. Garnering attention for her outstanding all-round performance, Gardner amassed 188 runs and scalped 24 wickets across 13 matches in 2023. 

She stood out as the premier all-rounder, consistently delivering top-notch performances, especially with the ball. Gardner's exceptional contributions were crucial to Australia's success throughout the year.

Sri Lanka's captain, Chamari Athapaththu, showcased her skills as an ultimate batter and leader. In just eight matches, Athapaththu accumulated 415 runs, demonstrating her ability to anchor the innings effectively. 

Her standout moment came in Sri Lanka's historic triumph against New Zealand, where she registered two centuries, scoring an unbeaten 108 and an astonishing 140, leading her team to their first-ever bilateral series win over the White Ferns.

Meanwhile, English skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt left an indelible mark on the ODI cricketing world in 2023.

Despite playing only six matches in the year, Sciver-Brunt scored an impressive 393 runs and picked up three wickets. Her significant role in England's triumph at the Women's Ashes, including smashing a couple of centuries, earned her the Player of the Series award.

New Zealand's rising star, Amelia Kerr, secured her second consecutive nomination for the ICC Women's ODI Cricketer of the Year. 

Kerr's stellar form stood out in an otherwise lacklustre year for the White Ferns. With 541 runs and nine wickets in just nine matches, Kerr played a pivotal role in New Zealand's successes. Notably, she starred in the White Ferns' series against Sri Lanka, contributing with both bat and ball to secure a comprehensive win.