2009's Best Batsman
1. Marcus Trescothick (Sonerset)– His batting has made opening bowlers quake at the thought of bowling to him. A man who has suffered from depression when touring with England has bounced back with great success and is once against dominating the county circuit at the top of the order. He was one of the first names on the team sheet every week at Somerset and was able to score nearly 3000 runs in all competitions this season.
2. Jacques Rudolf (Yorkshire)– the most key batsman in a Yorkshire team that has struggled for runs over the past summer. He was always free scoring, and when he got himself in was capable of scoring high scores. The former South African international who signed for Yorkshire in 2007 as a Kolpak player amassed 1334 scoring four centuries. Rob Key missing out
3. Mark Ramprikash (Surrey) – Mr. Reliable in the number 3 position. Even at the tender age of 40 he was the best performer in county cricket over in 2009. Even with missing the final few weeks due to a broken thumb he averaged 90 with the bat in division one of the county championship. This feat is not an easy one and his consistent scores would be an asset to any cricket side across the world
4. Jonathan Trott (Warwickshire) – A successful year for the Warwickshire Bears player culminated in being thrown into an Ashes decider at the Oval batting at number 5. His century in the second innings proved a pivotal knock in helping England regain the Ashes following the humiliation of 2006/7. He proved his worth to the England selectors with some sensational performances for his county.
5. James Taylor (Leicestershire) –The final place in the middle orders goes to a surprise choice who has seized his opportunity on the county scene over the past year. In his breakthrough year the 19-year-old scored 1,200 runs in a side that finished bottom in the county championship. Leicestershire’s only glimmer of hope also pipped Stuart Broad to the title of Young Cricketer of the Year.
2009's Best Wicketkeeper
6. Craig Kieswetter (Somerset)– powerful hitting in the middle of an innings made Kieswetter a key member in the Somerset side. He may not be the finished article behind the stumps but is clearly competent and qualifies for England soon. He is most definitely one to watch for the future. A special mention must go to Chris Read and Steven Davies who also both had extremely good seasons with the bat as well as the gloves
2009's Best All Rounders
7. Ian Blackwell (Durham)– Some may question his weight but there is no denying Blackwells class as a county cricketer. He moved from Somerset to Durham in the close season and the move did him the world of good. Still a destroyer with the bat and a decent left arm spinner he was able to help his new side defend their county crown. If he experiences more Seasons like this another England call up, especially in the one day format may not be too far away.
8. Andrew Hall (Northamptonshire)– Another successful season for the South African all-rounder. He may not be playing international cricket anymore but his powerful batting and accurate medium to fast bowling has made him a favourite within his county. One of the most consistent performers around the county circuit.
2009's Best Bowlers
9. Danish Kaneria (Essex) – The Pakistan spinner has been amongst the wickets again this year. He is a magician with mixing flight with spin and has caused problems for most batsmen that have come up against him. He was the highest wicket taker in the Championship Division Two with 75 at a decent average of 23.69. A first class spinner who would make it into any county side.
10. Steve Harmison (Durham)– The big man had another successful year in the county championship. His pace and bounce caused many problems. With 51 wickets at an average of 22, he did enough to be called up for the Ashes decider at the Oval and helped England regain the Ashes again. His success was furthered when Durham won the County Championship.
11. Graham Onions (Durham)– He may have only played 7 matches throughout the county season, but what an impact he made. He was the 5th highest wicket taker in the top division. His confidence was carried through into the Test arena, dominating against the West Indies batsmen before destroying the Australian top order throughout the Ashes.
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