‘Unsettling Surprise’: Annabel Sutherland Stunned by 2025 Belinda Clark Medal Win Just Days After Landmark Century

Annabel Sutherland has been awarded the 2025 Belinda Clark Medal, but she admits the recognition feels a bit uncomfortable.

The accolade came shortly after she made history by becoming the first female cricketer to score a Test century at the MCG, helping Australia achieve a remarkable 16-0 clean sweep in the Ashes series against England.

Even with her exceptional performance of 163 runs from 258 balls, which earned her a spot on the MCG honour boards, the 23-year-old still feels a bit out of place at the pinnacle of the sport.

“To be honest, it doesn’t sit quite right,” she expressed during her acceptance speech on Monday night in Melbourne.

“Like Trav (Head) mentioned earlier, I’d prefer to be out there playing rather than being on stage, but I suppose it comes with the territory, doesn’t it?”

Sutherland triumphed over seasoned teammates Beth Mooney (a two-time winner) and Ash Gardner (the 2022 winner), securing every possible vote during the Ashes Test series and their match against South Africa last February.

She now joins the ranks of those veterans, as well as teammate Ellyse Perry, a three-time winner on the prestigious list.

“Hearing those names is pretty awesome,” Sutherland remarked.

“If you could be even half as good as any of them, you’d be pretty chuffed.

“Growing up watching those girls play really stood out for me; they were my role models back then and still are. It’s quite something to find myself standing alongside them now.”

Additionally, Sutherland finished joint third in the Women’s ODI Player of the Year and sixth in the T20 International Women’s Player of the Year categories.

The ODI accolade was awarded to Ash Gardner, while Beth Mooney was recognised as the T20I player of the year.