Friday 13 June 2014 23:42, UK
David Collier, chief executive of the England and Wales Cricket Board, has praised the achievements of England women’s captain Charlotte Edwards and vice-captain Jenny Gunn, after they received a CBE and MBE respectively for their services to cricket in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list.
The CBE is the highlight of a remarkable year for Edwards, who led England to back-to-back Women’s Ashes successes, and to the final of the ICC Women’s World Twenty20 final in Bangladesh in March.
In April Edwards became only the second women to be named as a Wisden Cricketer of the Year and earlier this week the ECB named her England Women’s Cricketer of the Year for the fourth time.
Gunn, who has been vice-captain of the team since 2010, became England’s all-time leading international wicket-taker during the successful 2013 Ashes series against Australia.
Since making her England debut in 2004, the Nottinghamshire all-rounder has made over 200 appearances for her country across all formats of the game.
“On behalf of everyone at the ECB, I would like to pass on our sincere congratulations to Charlotte Edwards and Jenny Gunn on their CBE and MBE awards," said Collier.
"This is fitting recognition for both players after leading the England women’s side during an exceptionally successful 12 months for the team.
“Charlotte, Jenny and their England teammates are all wonderful ambassadors for the wider women’s game, and through their work with Chance to Shine they act as inspirational role models for young players in schools across the country.”
A delighted Edwards said: "This is a huge honour and rounds off an extraordinary year for me and the England women’s side.
"I am so proud of everything that the team has achieved over the last 12 months, to win back-to-back Women’s Ashes series and reach an ICC World Twenty20 final is pretty special.”
Commenting on her award, Gunn said: "When I made my England debut 10 years ago I never dreamed I would be made an MBE. This is totally unexpected and something I am immensely proud of and honoured to receive.”
