Jones continues excellent season with award win

Jones succeeds Bryony Smith, who made history by winning the first award, securing 61% of the public vote following her excellent form in the Charlotte Edwards Cup and The Hundred.

It marks the continuation of an excellent 2021 campaign for Jones who has relished the challenge of appearing in The Hundred: “I wasn’t expecting to win it, but it’s always nice to pick up an award like this, particularly after such an exciting month for women’s cricket with the start of The Hundred.

“It’s always pleasing to get runs on the main stage. Playing in The Hundred is a massive deal for me so being able to get going early on in the tournament and get a couple of scores was a personal highlight for me.”

At the time of writing, only Emma Lamb and Charlie Dean have scored more MVP points across all competitions this season than Jones. However, the Sparks captain says team success is at the forefront of her mind as her side remains in with a chance of both Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy and Charlotte Edwards Cup glory.

“It’s nice to be at the top of the MVP, but I try not to look at it too much - I just keep trying to do my best for the team and to win as many games as possible for Birmingham Phoenix and Central Sparks. To win a trophy with one of my teams would mean so much to me and that’s the most important thing.

“We’ve only lost one game in the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy so we’re right up there and in with a chance this season. As captain, it would be an honour to lead the team all the way to the final and hopefully we can win one, if not two competitions this season.

“Moving forward, I’d like to still be involved with The Hundred and the regional structure for a number of years, and I’d love to go out and play in the WBBL as well. I think if players like me can perform in The Hundred then the opportunities to play in other franchise competitions will come further down the line.”