Shirazi scoops SPCL Young Player of the Year gong

Damian Shirazi, whose 626 runs and 15 wickets helped BAT Sports win the championship, was named as the Southern Electric ECB Premier League Young Cricketer of the Year.

Damian Shirazi in action

Shirazi, 18, who is spending the winter playing for the University of New South Wales in the demanding Sydney Grade competition, hit six half-centuries and averaged 44.71 last season.

"Damian is an ultra-competitive all-rounder who matured a lot as a player during the summer," praised BAT vice-captain Richard Dibden.

"He works very hard at his game and is very keen to learn, which is why he's spending the winter in Sydney.

"I think he has the fundamentals to do very well and, because he wants to listen and develop his game, he has the chance to go further."

Shirazi, who previously captained England at Schools and Under-17 level, has led various Hampshire YC teams, but seems to have missed out on a contract next season.

"He'll come back in March an improved and even more determined young player," Dibden forecast.

Shirazi saw off challenges from five other promising young cricketers to win the prestigious award, named in memory of Waterlooville's John Millett, who died 20 years ago.

He was pressed hard by Bournemouth teenager Chris Park, who notched 423 runs and snapped up 30 victims in his debut Premier League season at Chapel Gate. Park, 18, joins Northants on an Academy contract next summer.

Ben Craft, with 760 runs and 14 catches for Lymington, Hampshire-bound left-armer James Tomlinson, with 21 wickets for South Wilts, Rowledge all-rounder Chris Yates (406 runs and 29 wickets) and promising New Milton all-rounder David Wheeler, with 582 runs and 22 wickets, were also in the frame.

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Your votes here on www.spcl.cricinfo.com did not match those of the committee. Cove's Chris Benham, who has been awarded a summer contract with Hampshire topped the poll with 27%, with New Milton's 16-year-old starlet David Wheeler taking 17%.

Shirazi came a lowly fifth from the 11 names with 13%.

HOW THEY POLLED

Chris Benham (Cove) 27%, David Wheeler (New Milton) 17%, Neil Randall (Cove) 14%, Chris Yates (Rowledge) 14%, Damian Shirazi (B.A.T.Sports) 13%, James Tomlinson (South Wilts) 5%, James Hibberd (Calmore Sports) 3%, Chris Park (Bournemouth) 3%, Ben Craft (Lymington) 2%, Matthew Hooper (Andover) (2) 2%, Lee Beck (New Milton) (1) 1%.