Phoebe Litchfield wins major ICC award

After making her WBBL debut aged just 15, there was no doubt Australian cricket had something special and Phoebe Litchfield’s big 2023 confirmed it.

It was always a matter of when, not if, batting phenom Phoebe Litchfield would launch herself on the international stage.

She did that in incredibly impressive style in 2023, amassing close to 500 runs after her ODI debut for Australia, a haul that included a maiden century and an incredible batting average of 53.88.

Not only did the 20-year-old make the ICC’s ODI team of the year, she was also acknowledged as the best young female player in the world, named as the ICC Emerging Women’s Cricketer of the Year.

“It’s been a massive year for women’s cricket and the standard of all teams continues to rise, which is exciting for the future of our sport,” Litchfield said.

“Multi-format series away from home against England and India were massive challenges for our group but we relished the opportunity.

“From a personal perspective, it’s also been pleasing I’ve been able to put in some consistent performances and contribute to team success over the past 12 months.

“Thank you to everyone who voted in the awards, it’s been a memorable year and I’m excited for what’s to come.”

Phoebe Litchfield starred in India. Picture: Pankaj Nangia/Getty Images

Litchfield, a prodigy who made her WBBL debut as a 15-year-old, also scored 87 runs in two Tests and 88 in three T20Is as she became a mainstay of all three Australian teams.

She has already racked up 24 appearances for her country, with two ODI centuries and more than 850 runs.

After Litchfield helped guide Australia to a crucial T20 win in India in January, Australian captain Alyssa Healy was full of praise for the dynamic young star who will play a “key role” in the next World Cup in Bangladesh.

“Unbelievable talent, but at the same time, she has got a good head on her shoulders and has fitted in beautifully in our squad,” she said.

“Bangladesh (T20) World Cup (2024) and the ODI World Cup (2025) in these conditions in the next 18 months. She is great to watch, and hopefully she is going to have a long and successful career for Australia.”

Originally published as Phoebe Litchfield wins major ICC award