Rolton and Fitzpatrick shortlisted for ICC Women's Player Award

As the women's game continues to thrive on its nascent involvement with the ICC, for the first time there will be a Women's Award. The seven-player shortlist has been announced, with representations from the four leading women's nations.

The allrounder Karen Rolton and fast bowler Cathryn Fitzpatrick could bring home the honours for Australia, while India also have two players in the batsman Anjum Chopra and the recently retired Neetu David, the spinner.

England's colours are carried by Katherine Brunt, who boosted them to Ashes success for the first time in 42 years last summer, while the ever-reliable batsman Claire Taylor is their other representative. The final country is New Zealand, and their hopes are pinned on the batsman Emily Drumm, who made a remarkable career comeback from a serious hamstring injury.

While the award is a great fillip for the game, there was no room for South Africa or West Indies to suggest their top player, as they didn't play international cricket in the voting period. Still, the very fact of this award is a great boost to the women's game.