New Zealand’s Kane Williamson named leading cricketer in the world by Wisden
Sport’s ‘bible’ also selects former Kiwi skipper Brendon McCullum, Australia captain Steve Smith, and England duo Ben Stokes and Jonathan Bairstow as its cricketers of the year
New Zealand’s Brendon McCullum and Kane Williamson, as well as Australia captain Steve Smith are among the five cricketers of the year announced by the Wisden Almanack.
The quintet is completed by the England duo of all-rounder Ben Stokes and Jonny Bairstow.
There would be rapids down river, but the [England] players were now approaching them head-on, not paddling round the edge
The 2016 edition also sees Williamson named as the leading cricketer in the world after his 2,692 international runs across the formats in 2015 – the third-highest annual aggregate ever.
Generally, the award is decided on players’ performances in the previous English season and Australia’s Smith was included when, despite his side being beaten 3-2 in the Ashes, he emerged as the series’ leading run-scorer with a double century at Lord’s and 143 at The Oval in the visitors’ two wins.
McCullum, who retired this year, was included as much for his bold captaincy as his aggressive batting, with New Zealand’s dynamic approach widely reckoned to have helped transform England’s play in both test and one-day cricket as well.
Williamson and McCullum were not the only New Zealanders honoured by Wisden, with compatriot Suzie Bates chosen as the women’s leading cricketer.