Isle of Man Cricket’s teenage sensation, Lucy Barnett, says it’s an “incredible feeling” to be rewarded with the International Cricket Council’s ‘Women’s Player of the Month’ award for August.
Speaking to the ICC, the Finch Hill player admitted: “Honestly, (it) still feels a little unbelievable as I am making history of sorts for the Isle of Man.
“I knew I had a strong month, but to be recognised ahead of so many others is something I’m immensely proud of and will cherish for a very long time.
“It’s a fantastic time for women’s cricket, and to have the spotlight on me now is a truly special feeling,” she added.
The prodigal all-rounder beat out competition from Thai pairing Suleeporn Laomi and Nannapat Koncharoenkai to secure the triumph, becoming the first Manx cricketer to do so.
Ace Abroad
As previously reported by Manx.News, the 19-year-old produced a scintillating campaign in the Women’s Continental Cup, spearheading the Isle of Man team’s storybook run to the final and ending the tournament as leading run scorer. She now sits 68th in the International Women’s T20 International Batting rankings.
Across four T20Is the talented Manxwoman amassed an exceptional 257 runs, at an average of 128.50 and a blistering strike rate of 178.47. This included a spectacular knock against Norway, where she dispatched an unbeaten 123 off just 64 balls to propel her side to the top of the group.
The budding superstar shows little sign of resting on her laurels however, saying: “This award gives me even more motivation to keep pushing myself, and I hope to carry this form into the matches ahead and create many more special moments for my team.”