England pacer Anya Shrubsole on Wednesday became the first woman to feature on the cover of the Wisden Almanack. The 26-year-old helped the hosts beat India in a cliff-hanger of a World Cup final at Lord’s with a terrific burst in the final overs, picking up five wickets in the space of 19 runs.

Shrubsole was also nominated for 12-member shortlist for BBC Sports Personalty of the Year, becoming only the third cricketer – male or female – to enter the list since 2005.

“It’s an amazing honour and privilege to be on the cover of Wisden. To be on the front of such an iconic and historic book means a huge amount,” Shrubsole was quoted as saying by Wisden’s official website. “Most of all, it’s a clear representation of the strength of the women’s game, and the impact of the World Cup victory and the work of the entire team.”

Almanack editor Lawrence Booth said: “Anya Shrubsole was a natural for this year’s Wisden cover, having stolen the show on the most memorable day of the 2017 summer.”

Wisden 2018 is the 155th edition of Cricketers’ Almanack, and will be out in stores on April 12.