Those in the know believe that Shandré Fritz leads the nominations for the CSA Women’s Cricketer of the Year award, for her stellar performances for the national team and her provincial side of Western Province.
In her second consecutive nomination for the award, Fritz goes up against Western Province teammate Shabnim Ismail, who starred with the ball in the 2011/2012 season, and national keeper, Trisha Chetty, who won the award in 2009 (Scroll down for player career stats, courtesy ESPN Cricinfo).
“This is such exciting news! It’s been a very successful season for me and the teams I play for,” Fritz said.
“The coach (Yashin Ebrahim-Hassen) has had us working extra hard and that’s just filtered into my performance at provincial level, as that’s where we get most of our match practice,” said Fritz.
“I’m proud of the national team’s success in our last tour against the England Academy and I’m very proud to have been able to help my provincial side, Western Province, to the final of the CSA Women’s Provincial League. This just proves that hard work pays off, and whatever you put your mind to will happen.”
The third nominee is Trisha Chetty, who won the award in 2009. Chetty has produced exceptional performances both with bat and gloves for her province, KwaZulu-Natal, and for the National team.
“I’m so honoured for this opportunity, it’s been a tough season for me with highs and lows in between but I ended it with a big high with the National team. The CSA awards are so important because they give players that little push to work harder and to do more, this recognition means a lot and I’m honoured just to be nominated,” she concluded.
The CSA Women’s Cricketer of the Year will be announced on 6 June.
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ESPN Cricinfo Stats: Shandré Fritz Shabnim Ismail Trisha Chetty