LONDON — In a glittering ceremony held at the historic Lord's Cricket Ground, the Cricket Media Club celebrated the outstanding achievements of the past year, with former England captain Joe Root and rising star Tash Farrant headlining the 2025 awards. Root was honoured with the prestigious Bob Willis Trophy as England's Player of the Year, while Farrant claimed the coveted Women's Player of the Year award.
The awards, voted on by the nation's cricket journalists, broadcasters, and photographers, serve as a definitive barometer of a player's impact over the preceding 12 months. The 2025 ceremony recognized performances from a period encompassing the conclusion of the 2023 Ashes, the hard-fought tour of India, and the triumphant home summer against the West Indies and Sri Lanka.
A Vintage Year for a Modern Master
Joe Root's receipt of the Bob Willis Trophy adds another illustrious line to a career already overflowing with accolades. Despite stepping down from the Test captaincy in 2022, Root has arguably become an even more potent force with the bat, playing with a freedom and fluency that has tormented bowling attacks across the globe. His 2024-25 season was a masterclass in consistency and match-winning innings.
The Yorkshireman's standout performance came during the gruelling Test series in India, where he compiled a magnificent 328 runs across five matches on notoriously difficult pitches. His unbeaten 122 in Ranchi, a knock of immense discipline and skill, was pivotal in securing a series-levelling victory for England. Back on home soil, he was equally dominant, plundering centuries against both the West Indies and Sri Lanka.
Upon accepting the award, a humble Root paid tribute to his teammates and the legacy of Bob Willis. "It's a huge honour to receive this award, especially one that bears Bob's name," Root said. "He was a giant of the game and someone we all looked up to. This feels very special. A lot of this is down to the environment we have in that dressing room; it allows you to go out, express yourself, and play with joy."
The statistics from Root's award-winning period are staggering and underscore his value to the England setup. His run-scoring feats were not just about volume but also about impact, often rescuing the team from precarious positions or accelerating an innings when it mattered most. His key contributions included:
- An average of 68.42 in Test matches.
- Four centuries and five half-centuries.
- A highest score of 156 against Sri Lanka at Lord's.
Farrant's Triumphant Return to the Top
In the women's game, the story of the year was the remarkable resurgence of left-arm seamer Tash Farrant. After a serious back injury had threatened to derail her career, Farrant fought her way back into the England side and produced a string of match-winning performances with the new ball, earning her the Women's Player of the Year award.
Her ability to swing the ball back into the right-handers and her clever changes of pace in the death overs made her a nightmare for opposition batters. She was the leading wicket-taker for England in both ODI and T20I series over the award period, with her five-wicket haul against New Zealand at the County Ground in Derby being a particular highlight.
Farrant, visibly emotional, dedicated the award to her support network. "There were some dark days where I wasn't sure if I'd ever get back to this level," she admitted. "This is for my family, the medical staff, and everyone who never stopped believing in me. To be recognised by the Cricket Media Club in this way, it just makes all the hard work and the setbacks worthwhile."
Other Notable Award Winners
The ceremony was not just about the two headline acts. The depth of talent in English cricket was on full display as several other players were recognised for their exceptional contributions across all formats of the game. The Young Player of the Year award, always a hotly contested category, went to a prodigiously talented individual.
Young Player of the Year
The award for Young Player of the Year was presented to Somerset's explosive batter, James Rew. The 21-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman enjoyed a breakthrough season in the County Championship, amassing over 1,200 runs and announcing himself as a future star of the international game.
County Player of the Year
The County Championship Player of the Year was deservedly won by Surrey's veteran seamer, Dan Worrall. The Australian-born bowler, who now qualifies for England, was the spearhead of Surrey's title-winning attack, taking 68 wickets at an average of just 19.84, demonstrating relentless accuracy and skill.
International Umpire of the Year
The often-unsung heroes of the game were also celebrated, with Mike Burns receiving the International Umpire of the Year award. The Cricket Media Club praised his consistent decision-making and calm authority in high-pressure situations, including a flawless performance in the Ashes series.
A Look Ahead to the Coming Summer
The awards ceremony also served as a perfect curtain-raiser for the upcoming international summer. The accolades for Root and Farrant have only heightened anticipation for their performances in the marquee series against Australia. The men's team will be looking to reclaim the Ashes urn on home soil.
Commenting on the upcoming challenge, Root's eyes lit up with anticipation. "Winning this is fantastic, but everyone in that dressing room is already thinking about the Aussies. It's the series you dream about as a kid, and we're ready for the battle."
Similarly, the women's team, bolstered by Farrant's return to peak form, will face India in a multi-format series that promises to be a thrilling contest between two of the world's best sides. The awards have solidified the sense that English cricket is in a healthy state, with a potent blend of experienced masters and exciting new talent ready to take on the world.
As the lights dimmed at Lord's, the 2025 Cricket Media Club awards were hailed as a celebration of resilience, skill, and the enduring appeal of the sport. From Joe Root's timeless class to Tash Farrant's inspirational comeback, the evening provided a powerful reminder of the compelling human stories that lie at the very heart of cricket.