Fitzpatrick, Blackwell named in Commonwealth Bank awards

Australian fast-bowler Cathryn Fitzpatrick and all-rounder Alex Blackwell today took out the Commonwealth Bank's player awards for season 2003-03.

Fitzpatrick claimed the Commonwealth Bank Player of the Year, while Blackwell was named as the Commonwealth Bank Best New Talent in women's cricket.

The pair was presented with Commonwealth Bank Streamline Express Accounts, valued at $5000 and $2000 respectively.

Fitzpatrick, 35, enjoyed an outstanding year in 2002-03, capturing 15 wickets in Australia's one-day international series against New Zealand, England and India last January. The 15-wicket haul saw her become the first female player to capture more than 100 wickets in the limited-overs game.

In Australia's two-Test Ashes series against England last February, Fitzpatrick took 14 wickets at an average of 9.29. She was rewarded with the Peden Archdale Medal for Player of the Series and became Australia's fourth highest Test wicket-taker with 47 scalps from 10 matches.

The world's fastest bowler claimed her first Women's International Cricketer of the Year award at the recent Allan Border count, and was honoured in this year's Australia Day Honours with an Order of Australia.

Blackwell showed great promise in her international debut year in 2002-03, scoring 54 runs from five limited-over matches against New Zealand, England and India last January.

The 20-year-old then shared in a fifth-wicket record partnership of 136 runs with team mate Lisa Sthaleker in Australia's second Test against England at Bankstown Oval last February.

A long-standing partner of women's cricket, the Commonwealth Bank devised the awards to help recognise and reward Australia's talented female players.

The award winners were selected on behalf of the Commonwealth Bank by chairperson of selectors and former Australian player Margaret Jennings, together with head coach of the Commonwealth Bank Southern Stars, Stephen Jenkin.

The Commonwealth Bank Player of the Year award recognises the performances of an Australian representative at international and domestic level during 2002-03.

The Commonwealth Bank Best New Talent award is presented to a player under the age of 23, and is based on their performances in the Women's National Cricket League, international youth and/or senior international competition.