News

Sinclair takes out domestic MVP award

Cricinfo staff
14-Apr-2009
Mathew Sinclair enjoyed a strong domestic season in all three formats  •  Getty Images

Mathew Sinclair enjoyed a strong domestic season in all three formats  •  Getty Images

Mathew Sinclair has taken out the inaugural Most Valuable Player award for the 2008-09 New Zealand domestic season. Sinclair finished well clear of the second-placed Graham Napier and Ewen Thompson, who came in third.
The leading run scorer in the State Championship and the State Shield this season, Sinclair averaged more than 75 in both competitions. He was also the second top run-getter in the State Twenty20 tournament.
Sinclair, the Central Districts captain, said it was a thrill to receive the first such award. "The State MVP is a great initiative, and I am really proud to have won it," Sinclair said.
"The fact that it was developed by players means a lot - there's been quite a bit of dressing room banter over it this season, and I'm sure that will grow as the competition gets more established. I've really enjoyed my batting and being captain this year, and winning the MVP is the icing on the cake for me."
Sinclair also collected the MVP batting award, while the bowling prize went to Otago's Neil Wagner. The fielding award was won by Canterbury's Kruger van Wyk and Auckland's Tarun Nethula picked up the game average award.