Kane Williamson named Wisden Almanack's Cricketer of the Year

New Zealand’s Kane Williamson on 13 April 2016 was named the Wisden's Leading Cricketer in the World for the year 2015.

On the other hand, White Ferns captain Suzie Bates was named the Leading Women's Cricketer in the World for 2015.

For the first time two New Zealand players - Williamson and Brendon McCullum - were named among the Wisden Almanack's Five Cricketers of the Year. England's Ben Stokes and Jonny Bairstow, and Australia's Steve Smith completed the list of Five Cricketers of the Year.

Williamson and Bates were chosen by Wisden editor Lawrence Booth for the award, which has been handed out in various formats since 1889.

The principal criterion is excellence or influence on the previous English summer. No one can be chosen more than once, although exceptions were made for Englishmen Plum Warner and Jack Hobbs early in the 20th century.

In 2014, Sri Lanka’s Kumar Sangakkara was the winner of the prestigious accolade.

About Kane Williamson

• Kane Stuart Williamson is currently the captain of New Zealand. He is a right-handed batsman and occasional off-spinner.

• As of April 2016, he is the number third ranked batsman in Test cricket.

• He made his first-class debut in December 2007.

• He made his U-19 debut against the touring Indian U-19 team the same year and was named captain of the New Zealand U-19 team for the 2008 U-19 Cricket World Cup.

• He made his international debut in 2010.

Now get latest Current Affairs on mobile, Download # 1  Current Affairs App