Matt Prior has made history by becoming the first wicketkeeper to scoop the England Cricketer of the Year prize at the annual ECB awards night.
The Sussex glovesman was voted as England's best player over the last 12 months, during which he racked up 879 runs at an average of 54.94.
His hard-fought century against New Zealand in March helped England avoid what would have been a surprise series defeat to the Black Caps and enhanced his reputation as the best wicketkeeper-batsman in the world.
Prior is sure that performance played a huge part in him pipping captain Alastair Cook and fast bowler James Anderson, the previous winner of the award, to claim the prestigious prize.
"I've no doubt the innings in against New Zealand is pretty fresh in people's minds so that's probably had something to do with it," he told reporters after collecting the accolade.
"It was great to get over the line, a hugely proud moment but from a team point of view we want to be winning Test matches not drawing them. But to save a game for your country is a great feeling and I was very proud."
Seamer Katherine Brunt picked up the Women's Player of the Year award, while Essex and England U19 star Ben Foakes was named England Development Programme Cricketer of the Year.
