Overton and Luff crowned PCA players of the year after stellar Somerset summers
Somerset all-rounder Craig Overton and captain Sophie Luff have claimed the top prizes at the Professional Cricketers' Association awards after standout summers for their county.
Overton was named men's player of the year after a stellar season across all formats, in which Somerset just missed out on a first County Championship title and reached the semi-finals of the T20 Blast.
Overton's stellar summer sparks England talk
The 32-year-old scored three first-class hundreds and averaged less than 20 with the ball in the County Championship — form that has prompted talk of a recall to the England side to fill the vacancy left by Ben Stokes, four years after he won the last of his eight Test caps.
Overton beat off competition from fellow shortlisted nominees Joe Clarke, George Hill and Dan Lawrence to take the men's award.
"It's a phenomenal feeling," said Overton. "To be chosen by your peers to win this award is very special, it means so much to me.
"I felt like I got in a groove where my body was in a good spot, not 100% because of the schedule, but mentally I felt like I was in a great spot to be able to go out and perform when games come along near enough every other day."
Luff makes history as women's player of the year
Luff became the first winner of the women's player of the year award not to have played international cricket since 2021. As well as superb form in county cricket, the 32-year-old was part of the Trent Rockets team that won The Hundred.
The Somerset captain scored more than 1,000 runs across formats during the summer, including averaging in excess of 40 in the One-Day Cup, and triumphed ahead of three internationals on the shortlist — Maia Bouchier, Sophia Dunkley and Mady Villiers.
"I've always been a leader that wants to lead from the front, but I think people are seeing that play out in games now," said Luff. "I think this year I've just showcased what I'm capable of.
"I've had a new role at Somerset opening the batting and it's safe to say it's gone pretty well and I've probably unlocked something to bring the best out of me as a player. I'm so grateful to all my team-mates and coaches at Somerset that have supported me."
Young awards for Baker and Corteen-Coleman
Pace bowler Sonny Baker and left-arm spinner Tilly Corteen-Coleman won the two young player of the year awards.
Baker, 23, made his Test debut against New Zealand at The Oval in June. He was part of the Manchester Super Giants team that won The Hundred and the Hampshire side that reached the final of the T20 Blast.
Corteen-Coleman, 19, was a surprise inclusion in the England squad for the T20 World Cup.
Honours for retiring England stars
Former England captain Heather Knight was given the Outstanding Contribution Award following her international retirement, while another international retiree, Tammy Beaumont, won a Special Merit Award.