Guyanese Online

ST JOHN’S, Antigua — West Indies women’s captain Stafanie Taylor has been named the International Cricket Council’s Women’s T20I Cricketer of the Year, at the ICC Annual Awards announced for the period September 18, 2014, to September 13, 2015.

This is the third time the 24-year-old top-order batter and off-spinner has won a major international award. She previously won the ICC Women’s ODI Cricketer of the Year award in 2011 and 2012.

During the period under review Taylor scored 340 runs in nine matches with a best score of 78 off 58 balls against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Earlier this year she led West Indies to a 3-0 series sweep against Pakistan.

The West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) congratulated Taylor on winning one of the most prestigious awards in women’s cricket.

Dave Cameron, president of the WICB, praised Taylor for her award-winning performances and leadership of the West Indies women’s team.

“On behalf of the WICB and the various stakeholders in West Indies cricket I want to extend congratulations to Stafanie on winning this major award on the ICC cricketing calendar. She has been an outstanding representative and ambassador for West Indies from the first time she step foot on the international stage, back in 2008, and she keeps getting better,” Cameron said.

“Stafanie has demonstrated that she is not just an excellent batter and bowler but also a very good leader. She did a fantastic job when she took over the captaincy against Pakistan earlier this year and was immediately rewarded with a series victory. This award will help raise the profile of women’s cricket in the West Indies as it is further proof that young women in the Caribbean can rise to the top of the world in their chosen endeavour,” he added.

President and CEO of the West Indies Players’ Association (WIPA), Wavell Hinds said of Taylor’s success, “The WIPA family would like to extend our heartfelt congratulations to Stafanie on the achievement of this prestigious international award.”

He continued “This award is well deserved; Stafanie has been a consistent performer for the West Indies team. She continues to make the entire cricketing community of the Caribbean proud.”

More info on Stephanie Taylor: http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/player/355359.html