Somerset pair Craig Overton and Sophie Luff have taken the top prizes at the Professional Cricketers’ Association awards. Overton, the men’s player of the year, had a standout season across formats as Somerset came close to a first County Championship title and reached the semi-finals of the T20 Blast. Luff becomes the first winner of the women’s player of the year award not to have played international cricket since 2021.
Overton’s Format Numbers
32 Overton is a player who can do it all, having hit three first-class centuries while averaging under 20 with the ball in the County Championship. That kind of form has put him back into conversation for an England recall, to take the place vacated by Ben Stokes, four years on from when he earned his eighth and final Test cap.
He beat off other shortlisted nominees Joe Clarke, George Hill and Dan Lawrence. “It’s a phenomenal feeling,” said Overton. “To be chosen by your peers to win this award is very special, it means so much to me.”
“I felt like I got in a groove where my body was in a good spot, not 100% because of the schedule, but mentally I felt like I was in a great spot to be able to go out and perform when games come along near enough every other day.”
Luff’s Summer With the Bat
The summer saw 32 hit over 1,000 runs across all formats, with an average above 40 in the One-Day Cup. She also helped the Trent Rockets win The Hundred.
Three international players sat behind her on the shortlist, including Maia Bouchier, Sophia Dunkley and Mady Villiers, and she came out on top ahead of all of them. “I’ve always been a leader that wants to lead from the front, but I think people are seeing that play out in games now,” said Luff.
“I think this year I’ve just showcased what I’m capable of. I’ve had a new role at Somerset opening the batting and it’s safe to say it’s gone pretty well and I’ve probably unlocked something to bring the best out of me as a player. I’m so grateful to all my team-mates and coaches at Somerset that have supported me.”
The Young Players
Pace bowler Sonny Baker, 23, won the men’s young player of the year award. He made his Test debut against New Zealand at The Oval in June and was part of the Manchester Super Giants team that won The Hundred and the Hampshire side that reached the final of the T20 Blast.
Left-arm spinner Tilly Corteen-Coleman, 19, took the women’s young player of the year award. She was a surprise inclusion in the England squad for the T20 World Cup.
The Other Winners
Heather Knight, the former England captain, received an Outstanding Contribution Award after she retired from international cricket. Tammy Beaumont, another player stepping away from the national team, was recognised with a Special Merit Award.
Overton’s Numbers
An average of under 20 with the ball while also hitting three first-class hundreds makes for a remarkable pairing.
That he defeated Hill and Lawrence — two skilled competitors — points to a season considered the finest within a group of worthy opponents.
Luff’s Move Up
The decision to put Luff at the top of the order seems to have worked out well. It is a difficult spot to fill, and her 1,000-plus runs indicate she adjusted fast. With an average of more than 40, she has shown steady form in the One-Day Cup.
Her performance this year is shown by the fact that she beat three internationals on the shortlist.
Baker and Corteen-Coleman
Both Baker and Corteen-Coleman demonstrated their abilities on the biggest stage, and his work with the Manchester Super Giants and Hampshire suggests he is prepared to move up.
The fact that Corteen-Coleman has made the England squad for the T20 World Cup came as a surprise to many.
The Awards’ Significance
These honors represent the highest accolades in the competition, and both Overton and Luff have secured them for themselves through their efforts this season.
The young players Baker and Corteen-Coleman performed well enough to suggest they will remain part of the game for years to come, according to their category results.
Source material: “Somerset pair Overton & Luff take top PCA awards,” the BBC.
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