SOMERSET star Anya Shrubsole has made history by becoming the first woman to be featured on the cover of the Wisden Cricketers’ Almanack.

The Bath-born seamer, who has represented Somerset Women since making her debut as a 12-year-old in 2004 and has been an England international for the past decade, shot to prominence during last summer’s Women’s World Cup and saved her best for the final.

In front of a sold out Lord’s crowd, Shrubsole took 6-46 to turn the game on its head as England defeated India by nine runs to lift the trophy.

She also played a key role in the Western Storm side which won the Kia Super League, defeating Southern Vipers in the final at Hove.

Shrubsole was awarded an MBE and nominated for BBC Sports Personality of the Year as a result of her efforts, with this latest acknowledgement further testament to her impact over the past 12 months.

Wisden 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.

“She dramatically won the World Cup for England and had played a crucial hand in the semi-final against South Africa, too, nervelessly hitting the winning four with only two balls to spare.

“Shrubsole is Wisden’s first female cover star – and, thanks to the excitement she generated that day at Lord’s, almost certainly not the last.”

Shrubsole said: “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.

“Most of all, it’s a clear representation of the strength of the women’s game, the impact of the World Cup victory and the work of the entire team.”

Wisden 2018 is the 155th edition of the famous yellow book, and is available to pre-order now for £35 (RRP £55).