‘The award goes to…’ – England Test team’s year in gongs: Who are the winners and losers in Stephan Shemilt’s just-for-fun awards to the England men’s Test team?

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‘The award goes to…’ – England Test team’s year in gongs: Who are the winners and losers in Stephan Shemilt’s just-for-fun awards to the England men’s Test team?

‘The award goes to…’ – England Test team’s year in gongs: Who are the winners and losers in Stephan Shemilt’s just-for-fun awards to the England men’s Test team?

The 2023 English cricket season has been a whirlwind of highs and lows for the Test team. From exhilarating victories to crushing defeats, the players have endured a rollercoaster ride that has tested their mettle and resilience. To celebrate (or commiserate) the year’s events, we’ve compiled a series of light-hearted awards, recognizing both outstanding achievements and memorable mishaps. Consider this a tongue-in-cheek review, a chance to appreciate the unique blend of drama and skill that defines Test cricket.

The Awards

Award 1: The ‘Bazball’ Incarnate Award

This award recognizes the player who most embodied the spirit of Ben Stokes’ and Brendon McCullum’s aggressive, fearless approach to Test cricket. It’s about more than just runs; it’s about intent, audacity, and a willingness to take the game to the opposition, regardless of the consequences. The nominees include: Ben Stokes, Harry Brook, Jonny Bairstow (before injury). The winner is… Harry Brook. His breathtaking run-scoring displays, his fearless approach to batting, and his seemingly unfazed attitude perfectly captured the essence of Bazball. His impact in a short space of time was truly remarkable, demonstrating the potential of this exciting new era for English cricket.

Award 2: The ‘Resilience in the Face of Adversity’ Award

Test cricket throws curveballs; it tests a player’s fortitude. This award goes to the player who showed the most grit, determination, and mental strength in overcoming setbacks. Nominees include: Ollie Robinson (for his unwavering commitment despite injury concerns), Stuart Broad (for his consistent performance and leadership), and Joe Root (for his continued ability to perform under pressure). The winner is… Joe Root. Despite the change in captaincy and the shift in playing style, Root’s consistent performance was a pillar of strength for the team. His leadership qualities were key even when not officially captain.

Award 3: The ‘Most Improved Player’ Award

This award is for the player who showed the most significant improvement in their skills and performance throughout the year. Nominees include: Reece Topley (for his consistent performance in limited overs, with potential for Test success), Zak Crawley (for showing improvement despite inconsistency). The winner is… Zak Crawley. While not completely consistent, Crawley demonstrated significant progress in his batting technique and approach. He displayed periods of real dominance and showcased his potential to become a reliable top-order batsman.

Award 4: The ‘Bowling Revelation’ Award

Recognizing the bowler who exceeded expectations and delivered standout performances, often unexpected. Nominees include: Matthew Potts (for his impressive debut series), Josh Tongue (for exciting glimpses of pace and skill). The winner is… Matthew Potts. His early performances showed real promise, highlighting his skill and potential for a long Test career. His contribution was significant, especially considering the relative newcomer status.

Award 5: The ‘Unsung Hero’ Award

Cricket is a team sport, and often the unsung heroes are the ones who consistently contribute without the limelight. This award goes to the player whose dedication, support, and consistent contributions behind the scenes often get overlooked. Nominees include: Moeen Ali (for his crucial contributions with both bat and ball), Ollie Pope (for his steadiness in the middle order). The winner is… Moeen Ali. His all-round skills, leadership, and experience were invaluable to the team. His contributions often went above and beyond simple statistics, providing a critical support role.

Award 6: The ‘Comeback Kid’ Award

This award recognizes the player who made a triumphant return to form after facing challenges or setbacks. Nominees include: Jonny Bairstow (for his exceptional form prior to injury), Ben Stokes (for returning from injury and demonstrating leadership). The winner is… Jonny Bairstow (before injury). His explosive batting before his unfortunate injury demonstrated the power of determination and perseverance in the face of adversity. His initial run of scores was nothing short of extraordinary.

Award 7: The ‘Moment of Magic’ Award

This award celebrates that single, unforgettable moment that defined a match or a series. Nominees include: Ben Stokes’s numerous match-winning knocks, Harry Brook’s century in Pakistan, multiple instances of stunning catches. The winner is…Harry Brook’s century in Pakistan. This breathtaking innings highlighted the fearless nature of Bazball and the talent of the player. It marked a significant victory for the team.

Award 8: The ‘Captain’s Courage’ Award

This award acknowledges the captain’s bravery, strategic decision-making, and leadership qualities, both on and off the field. The winner is… Ben Stokes. His fearless approach to captaincy epitomized the team’s new aggressive style. Despite challenges and inconsistent results, his courage in his captaincy decisions was commendable.

The ‘Not So Glorious’ Awards

Award 9: The ‘Close, But No Cigar’ Award

This award recognizes near misses, moments where victory slipped through fingers. Nominees include: Several matches where England fell short despite strong performances. The winner is… The drawn Test matches that could have been wins. The team showed they could compete with the best, but some games slipped through their grasp due to minor errors. This highlights the need for greater consistency and even better finishing ability.

Award 10: The ‘Oops! Moment of the Year’ Award

This award celebrates the comical, unexpected, and sometimes cringe-worthy moments that add to the colourful tapestry of Test cricket. Nominees include: Various dropped catches, missed run-out opportunities, strategic decisions that didn’t pan out. The winner is… A compilation of dropped catches. While not any single moment, the accumulation of dropped catches throughout the year was noteworthy, underlining the need for better concentration in the field.

Award 11: The ‘Learning Curve’ Award

This award acknowledges the areas where the team needs improvement and growth. The winner is…Consistency in all aspects of the game. While Bazball has energized the team, consistent execution is crucial to achieving sustainable success across all matches and conditions.

This has been a lighthearted look at the England Test team’s 2023 season. While some awards celebrate triumphs, others highlight areas for improvement. The year has been a rollercoaster; a testament to the exciting, unpredictable nature of Test cricket. It’s a season that promises much for the future.