England batsmen Alastair Cook and Jonathan Trott were named respectively test player of the year and player of the year at a ceremony hosted by the sport’s governing body the International Cricket Council (ICC) on Monday.
The 26-year-old opener – who was appointed one day captain after the World Cup this year – shone during the year peaking with a masterly 294 in the third Test victory over India in August, though, that fell outside the time frame for the award.
It was his third test century in six matches and 19th in all and is now just three shy of England’s all-time record Test century total.
It represents quite a turnaround in the genial Cook’s fortunes as a year ago he was close to being dropped before reviving his career with a hundred against Pakistan at The Oval.
It proved to be the springboard for a triumphant tour of Australia where he scored 766 runs, including three centuries, as England won the Ashes 3-1.
During the performance period, he played 12 Tests and in 18 innings, he compiled 1,302 runs at an average of 51.74, including six centuries and four half-centuries.
His highest score of 235 not out against Australia at Brisbane helped his team towards series victory as it won the Ashes away from home for the first time since the 1986-87 season.
The independent voting academy of 25 cricket experts put Cook first, ahead of an impressive group of players that had been short-listed, including England team-mates Jonathan Trott and James Anderson, as well as Jacques Kallis of South Africa, who previously won this award in 2005.
“I think the highlight of year was when we won in Sydney, to beat Australia and Chris Tremlett to take that final wicket it was truly a great year,” said Cook.
“This award is about the rest of the team not just me.”
The ICC later named Trott as their cricketer of the year.
“I never envisaged winning this award and it’s a brilliant feeling to be recognised,” Trott said.
