Australian cricketers honoured with award nominations

SEVEN Australian cricketers have been recognised for their successes in 2011, by being nominated for year’s ESPNcricinfo Awards. The awards celebrate the best individual performances in 2011 by batsmen and bowlers in Tests and one-day internationals from cricketing nations around the world.

Aussie skipper Michael Clarke is on the list for his stoic knock of 151 against South Africa in their Test last year in Cape Town.

Exciting Australian batsman David Warner makes the list for his 123 not out against New Zealand in the Hobart Test.

The man considered responsible for holding Australia’s spin bowling hopes in his hands, Nathan Lyon, is nominated for his figures of five wickets for 34 runs in the Galle first Test against Sri Lanka.

Shane Watson is on the list twice, firstly for his figures of 5 for 17 against South Africa in the Cape Town Test (the five wickets coming in just 21 balls). He is also nominated for his performance in the second ODI against Bangladesh where he scored 185 not out, courtesy of a world record tally of sixes (15).

New Australian bowling sensation Pat Cummins is honoured for his six wickets for 79 runs against South Africa in the Johannesburg Test. The Aussie rookie single handedly keeping the visitors in the match to level the series.

Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting is nominated for his resolute 104 runs against India in the ODI World Cup semi-final.

And Mitchell Johnson has been nominated in the best ODI bowling performances of the year category for his 6 for 31 against Sri Lanka in the first ODI in Pallekele.

The winners will be announced this month so remember to check online at AustralianTimes.co.uk/sport for any news and developments and make sure to watch this space next week for our chat with Australian cricket great Ian Chappell.