Wisden Almanack picks Anya Shrubsole as first woman cover star

England World Cup winner Anya Shrubsole will make history as the first woman to feature on the cover of the Wisden Almanack.

The 2018 edition of the “bible of cricket” is Wisden’s 155th and sees Shrubsole on the front holding the ICC Women’s World Cup trophy after her six-wicket performance in the victory over India in last year’s final.

Almanack editor and Wisden.com columnist Lawrence Booth said: “Anya Shrubsole was a natural for this year’s Wisden cover, having stolen the show on the most memorable day of the 2017 summer. Against India, and in front of a packed Lord’s, she dramatically won the World Cup for England with figures of 6-46, the best in a final by man or woman.

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“She had played a crucial hand in the semi-final against South Africa, too, nervelessly hitting the winning four with only two balls to spare.

“Shrubsole is Wisden’s first female cover star – and, thanks to the excitement she generated that day at Lord’s, almost certainly not the last.”

It’s been quite a year for Shrubsole. Not only did she win the World Cup with England but she was nominated for the BBC Sports Personality of the Year and also won the ICC Spirit of Cricket Award.

“It’s an amazing honour and privilege to be on the cover of Wisden,” she said. “To be on the front of such an iconic and historic book means a huge amount. Most of all, it’s a clear representation of the strength of the women’s game, and the impact of the World Cup victory and the work of the entire team.”

The world of cricket has praised Wisden for its decision and Shrubsole has received messages of congratulations from fellow players and fans. We round up some of the best reaction on Twitter:

Somerset praise “one of their own”.

“Keep smashing them boundaries,” said England international Kate Cross.

A “massive” achievement.

“Big moment for women’s sports”.