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Ollie Robinson is targeting further success in the second act of his Test career after being awarded the Bob Willis Trophy for England cricketer of the year.
The seamer spent two-and-a-half years out of favour with the selectors before staging an impressive return this summer, taking 28 wickets at an average of just 9.32 against New Zealand and Pakistan.
The 32-year-old is set for a key role in this winter’s red-ball programme, which includes tours to South Africa, Bangladesh and the 150th anniversary Test in Melbourne, before turning his attention to next summer’s home Ashes series.
Despite making only four appearances this year – one against New Zealand followed by three against Pakistan – the weight of Robinson’s performance saw him recognised by members at the Vitality Cricket Media Club Awards at Lord’s, taking the trophy named after former England captain and fellow pace bowler Willis.
“It’s a huge honour to receive this award. 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,” he said.
“There were certainly some tough moments along the way, which makes receiving recognition like this mean even more. I’ve absolutely loved being back playing for England and hopefully there’s plenty more to come.”
Middlesex pace bowler Naavya Sharma, currently touring the West Indies with England Lions, collected the NV Play young cricketer of the year award following a breakthrough season.
The award dates back to 1950, boasting a list of previous recipients that includes greats of the game such as Sir Geoffrey Boycott, Sir Ian Botham, Sir James Anderson, Joe Root and Ben Stokes.
Teenage England spinner Tilly Corteen-Coleman, 19, won the Vitality Women’s young cricketer of the year prize after making debuts across both white-ball formats this summer. Kirstie Gordon picked up the JM Finn women’s cricket award after captaining The Blaze to a domestic treble, while Angus Brown was named England’s disability player of the year.
Having guided Warwickshire to the Championship title with a season-leading 69 wickets, Ethan Bamber was named The Borders Distillery County Championship player of the year at Lord’s.
