Rolton, Britt named in Commonwealth Bank women's cricket awards

The Commonwealth Bank today announced Australian vice-captain Karen Rolton as the Commonwealth Bank Player of the Year, and Kris Britt as the Commonwealth Bank Best New Talent in women's cricket for season 2001-02.

Rolton was rewarded for her stellar year in 2001-02, in which she was the leading run-scorer in the six-match Rose Bowl Series against New Zealand with 330 runs at an average of 66.00.

The 28-year-old also topped the run-scoring charts in the Women's National Cricket League (WNCL) that year, scoring 509 runs at 63.63.

Rolton was presented with a $5000 Streamline Express Account by Commonwealth Bank Regional General Manager - Queensland, Mr Kenn McCall, at the launch of the Women's Ashes Series in Brisbane. As best new talent, Britt received a $2000 Streamline Express Account with the Commonwealth Bank.

Britt caught the eye of selectors with an impressive debut year with WNCL side the Southern Scorpions in 2001-02. She scored 196 runs at an average of 24.50, second only to her captain Karen Rolton.

Britt also represented the Australian youth side, the Commonwealth Bank Shooting Stars, in a four-match series against New Zealand A in February 2002. The 19-year-old finished the series as Australia's second highest run-scorer with 70 runs.

Accepting her award, Rolton acknowledged the Commonwealth Bank's long-standing support of women's cricket in Australia.

"The Commonwealth Bank has been a valued partner of women's cricket for many years now," said Rolton.

"I'd like to thank them for this initiative and for their ongoing commitment to building and developing players now and for the future.

"Last year was a good season for me on a personal level, and for the national side to retain the Rose Bowl against New Zealand. Hopefully we can rise to the same challenge against England over the next few weeks in the Ashes Series."

Mr McCall, said the awards were another way for the Commonwealth Bank to recognise Australia's talented female players.

"We are delighted to reinforce our commitment to women's cricket, through not only our sponsorship but also through providing these awards, which recognise the outstanding achievements of women cricketers at the highest level," said Mr McCall.

"Both Karen and Kris are deserving winners and we look forward to seeing them in action during the upcoming Test series against England."

The award winners were selected on behalf of the Commonwealth Bank by chairperson of selectors and former Australian player Margaret Jennings, together with head coach of the Commonwealth Bank Southern Stars, Stephen Jenkin.

The Commonwealth Bank Player of the Year award recognises the performances of an Australian representative at international and domestic level during 2001-02.

The Commonwealth Bank Best New Talent award is presented to a player under the age of 23, and is based on their performances in the WNCL, international youth and/or senior international competition.