Em Arlott named PCA Women’s Player of the Month

Bears Women bowler Em Arlott has been named the Professional Cricketers’ Association (PCA) Women’s Player of the Month for April.

Arlott – who scored her maiden professional century last month – topped the rankings based on the PCA’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) stats and following a public vote.

She landed the accolade after claiming 38 per cent of the vote ahead of Durham’s Phoebe Turner and Lancashire’s England batter Emma Lamb in third.

Em Arlott has won April’s PCA Players of the Month awards following an excellent start to the her domestic season.

The 27-year-old is the first player to take the monthly honour since the introduction of the new Tier 1 system in the women’s game.

“It came as a surprise but it’s also great to receive the recognition,” said Arlott, who took season best figures of 4/61 in yesterday’s game against Somerset Women.

“People have always treated me like a bowler that can hit a big ball. I spent the winter in Perth (with West Australia Women) and full credit to them, they were a big part of improving my whole game and really stamping my authority on an all-rounder role.

“I thought I would be shaking in boots at the thought of reaching a century, but I was actually really calm and didn’t even realise I was nearing a hundred until I was on about 96 or 98 so the blissful ignorance probably helped!

“I lost a bit of speed a couple of years ago after an injury, but I feel like I have got that back this winter. Hopefully I keep the consistency and take wickets for the team.

“The award is a nice bonus but the main thing for me is to try and win games for the Bears. We’ve had some good games and played positive, attacking cricket. I think we’re heading in the right direction.”

Arlott’s four-fer against Somerset took her tally to 11 wickets in the Metro Bank Women’s One Day Cup – putting her second in the leading wicket taker table – while she’s scored 170 runs at an average of 34.00.