Northamptonshire opening batsman Ben Duckett created history after becoming the first player to win a prestigious double in the NatWest Professional Cricketer’s Association (PCA) Awards ceremony held in London on Wednesday.
Duckett won the Reg Hayter Cup after being named the PCA Player of the Year and also took home the John Arlott Cup, which is awarded to the PCA Young Player of the Year.
The 21-year-old admitted that winning both the awards was something he did not expect and added that it was a great honour.
“It seems to have been good news each week. I keep saying every week: ‘that has topped off my summer’ and then something else happens,” Duckett said.
“I can’t keep the smile off my face. I wasn’t expecting this. To be nominated for both awards was an honour in itself so to win them both is something very special.
“Most of the guys who have won the awards in the past have played for England or in international cricket so to follow them is a very great honour.”
In 2016, Duckett scored 2706 runs across the three formats of the game and also won the Cricket Writer’s Club Young Cricketer of the Year Award on Tuesday.
In 2016, Duckett scored 2706 runs across the three formats of the game and also won the Cricket Writer’s Club Young Cricketer of the Year Award on Tuesday.
Having been named in the England One-Day International squad which will tour Bangladesh, Duckett is eager to make his chance count.
“It’s a tough season but I think no matter what state your body is in, after being picked for England I would be more than happy to go and play for the next 12 months straight for my country.
“It’s a new thing for me and I am absolutely buzzing to get out there.”
Meanwhile, England Women’s batsman Tammy Beaumont has
Former England batsman Marcus Trescothick was awarded the PCA Special Merit Award whereas Chris Woakes took home the Test Player of the Summer Award.
Colin Ingram of Glamorgan took home the NatWest Twenty20 Player of the Year award whereas Graeme White of Northamptonshire was picked as the Royal London One-Day Cup Player of the Year.