KINGSTON – West Indies Women’s all-rounder Stafanie Taylor says she believes only New Zealand Women’s captain and all-rounder Suzie Bates stands between her and the 2013 ICC Women’s One-Day International (ODI) Cricketer Of The Year Award.
Taylor and Bates, who is on a shortlist of six candidates for the award, were consistent performers throughout the year at the ICC World Cup as well as ODI series.
“I think it will be a close call between me and New Zealand’s Suzie Bates for the award,” Taylor told The Jamaica Gleaner.
“I know Charlotte Edwards of England will also be there in the mix, but I think Bates and I did really well this year.”
Taylor led West Indies to a maiden ICC Women’s World Cup final appearance in India in February and finished as the second highest run-scorer during the tournament, amassing 314 runs that included a century and a half-century.
Taylor was also influential in guiding West Indies to an historic 2-1 win over Bates and her New Zealand counterparts at Sabina Park in October.
“[Bates] team did not make it to the final [of the World Cup]. However, her performances were outstanding, as evidenced by the Player Of The Tournament Award,” said Taylor.
“I think, however, the two One-Day series here in the Caribbean is where I came back and did well and what could give me the edge over her.”
Bates, who scored 110 in the opening match of the Sabina Park series, ended second in the batting standings with 114 runs.
She was named Player Of The Tournament for the World Cup after compiling 407 runs at an average 67.83, including a century and three 50s.
The other candidates for the Women’s ODI Cricketer Of The Year are England’s Anya Shrubsole, South Africa’s Dane van Niekerk, and Australian World Cup-winning batter Meg Lanning.
Taylor, Bates and Lanning have also been nominated for the ICC Women’s Twenty20 International Cricketer Of The Year Award.
The awards, along with their ICC men’s equivalent, will be announced tomorrow. (CMC)
