A former Malvern College pupil has been named Schools Cricketer of the Year in the prestigious Wisden Cricketers’ Almanack, published this week.
Olly Cox, 19, was awarded the accolade for his First XI performance at Malvern College in 2022. He scored 1,392 runs, averaging 69 runs per innings, including four centuries.
Olly has now signed his first professional contract for Worcestershire County Cricket Club last June.
Olly finds himself in good company in this year’s list alongside England Test Team captain Ben Stokes who was named Wisden’s Leading Cricketer in the World for the third time in four years.
Often labelled the “Bible of cricket”, the Wisden Almanack is still considered to be the most authoritative record of cricket in the world, with its annual ‘cricketers of the year’ feature dating back to 1889.
Olly, who left Malvern College last summer says the recognition is an honour, having always dreamed of playing cricket professionally.
“To be named Wisden Cricketers’ Almanak Schools Cricketer of the Year truly is an honour, especially to be included alongside world-class players like Ben Stokes, Daryll Mitchell and Tom Blundell.
“I had always dreamed of playing cricket professionally and Malvern College was an exceptional place to learn and improve my game thanks to its world-class facilities and expert teaching staff.”
Olly is the second Malvern College pupil to be named Schools Cricketer of the Year in the past 10 years following current Somerset batsman Tom Kohler-Cadmore who was awarded the title in 2013.
Master of Cricket, Mark Hardinges says the achievement is testament to the dedication and ambition embodied by the school’s impressive roster of talented young sportspeople.
“To have not one but two of our pupils achieve this prestigious accolade in just ten years is an incredible achievement and we are delighted to see Oliver follow in the footsteps of fellow Old Malvernian Tom Kohler-Cadmore.
“Oliver is an exceptional sportsman and this accolade not only recognises his skill as a sportsman but his commitment to a sport that he showed so much passion for during his time at Malvern.”
Olly also offered advice to pupils aiming for a professional sporting career: “I would advise any pupils pursuing a career in sport to make the most of the amazing opportunities and facilities on offer at Malvern. The College offers a fantastic environment to try and become the best sports person you can be, whether that be professionally or just for enjoyment.
“Try everything! Find what you love and invest time into it because you’ll never get a better opportunity.”