Jonny Bairstow, Nat Sciver honoured with PCA Players of the Year at annual awards ceremony

England men's batting superstar Jonny Bairstow and star women's player Nat Sciver have been officially named the PCA Players of the Year at the annual awards. Meanwhile, emerging players Harry Brook and Freya Kemp have been named the Young Players of the Year 

The Professional Cricketers' Association (PCA) decided to reward both Bairstow and Sciver with the men's and women's player of the year awards respectively owing to their outstanding performances on their cricket field. While the Yorkshire batter showcased spectacular performances during the home Test season, Sciver was also excellent in England's run to the finals of the ICC Women's World Cup earlier this year in New Zealand.

It's so hard to pinpoint one individual moment: Jonny Bairstow

"It's a privilege to win the cinch PCA Men's Player of the Year and when your colleagues vote for you it's a real honour," Bairstow said as quoted by ESPNcricinfo. "It's so hard to pinpoint one individual moment but as a collective I was delighted to have contributed in most of the Tests.

"Winning six out of seven Tests was a huge achievement for everyone," he added. 

Jonny Bairstow amassed 681 runs at 75.66 during England's successful home series against New Zealand, England, and, South Africa that included four centuries. The knocks helped the Three Lions in winning six of their seven Test matches on home soil.

However, the batting star has been ruled out of the upcoming T20 World Cup in Australia after suffering an accident while playing golf where he ended up with a broken leg. 

Nat Sciver, who had won the PCA Women's Player of the Year award back in 2017, said that she is proud of her performances in the Women's World Cup and a maiden Test century (169*) that she had scored against South Africa during a home bilateral series this year.

Meanwhile, Sciver was also adjudged the PCA's MVP at the second edition of the Hundred for scoring 228 runs.

"A massive thank you to everybody that voted for me to win the cinch PCA Women's Player of the Year, I am really honoured," Sciver said.

"I've been really happy with my form this year. It's weird to think that the World Cup was this year too. The two centuries in the World Cup were really special, and the Test match innings against South Africa was brilliant too”, she added.

"The Hundred had a great second year, the cricket and atmospheres were brilliant again, and the Rockets had a better year than last which is very pleasing. Hopefully we can improve next year too”, said the champion cricketer.