James90
Cricketer Of The Year
Cricketer of the Year: Shane Warne breaking the world record for wickets in a calendar year. Numerous injuries and bans could have ended his career but he bounced back and on several occasions was the only bowler who looked like getting a wicket.
New comer of the year: Pietersen just pips and Dhoni on basis of match-winning ability. Pietersen's produced some incredible knocks against South Africa, Australia and Pakistan probably the three best attacks that an Englishman can face. Came good when the pressure was on in the Ashes and showed how much of a dominant force he is. Hussey's made two great hundreds against a sub-standard attack and has been untouchable in the one-day game. Coming in late in the order hasn't had a chance to play any huge knocks but the NatWest final and the 3rd ODI, neither of which resulted in a victory. Dhoni's been just as good in the shorter form of the way but hasn't played enough test cricket to warrant a place.
Innings of the Year Ponting's 150 to save the test at Old Trafford was simply brilliant and couldn't have done more to save the match. Extreme pressure with his captaincy under scrutiny came good when the team really needed it. But the award goes to Mohammad Ashraful for a sensational run-a-ball hundred in a perfectly timed runchase to beat the world-champions against all odds. Very good batting in building a partnership with Bashar before he let lose, played some great innovative shots and produced the biggest upset in cricket history against a bowling attack of such calibre. Even more incredible considering his form in the tour prior to that knock.
Bowling performance of the year: McGrath at Lord's. As close to a perfect spell as you can get. Nothing else comes close to rivalling it.
New comer of the year: Pietersen just pips and Dhoni on basis of match-winning ability. Pietersen's produced some incredible knocks against South Africa, Australia and Pakistan probably the three best attacks that an Englishman can face. Came good when the pressure was on in the Ashes and showed how much of a dominant force he is. Hussey's made two great hundreds against a sub-standard attack and has been untouchable in the one-day game. Coming in late in the order hasn't had a chance to play any huge knocks but the NatWest final and the 3rd ODI, neither of which resulted in a victory. Dhoni's been just as good in the shorter form of the way but hasn't played enough test cricket to warrant a place.
Innings of the Year Ponting's 150 to save the test at Old Trafford was simply brilliant and couldn't have done more to save the match. Extreme pressure with his captaincy under scrutiny came good when the team really needed it. But the award goes to Mohammad Ashraful for a sensational run-a-ball hundred in a perfectly timed runchase to beat the world-champions against all odds. Very good batting in building a partnership with Bashar before he let lose, played some great innovative shots and produced the biggest upset in cricket history against a bowling attack of such calibre. Even more incredible considering his form in the tour prior to that knock.
Bowling performance of the year: McGrath at Lord's. As close to a perfect spell as you can get. Nothing else comes close to rivalling it.