Anderson Still Top Man In England MVP Race

If only the MVP rankings would stretch back to 2002 when Michael Vaughan was scoring runs for fun against India, Australia et al. Vaughan would surely have been England's Most Valuable Player for a number of years so huge has been his impact on England cricket. Michael, you have been a gentleman sir, a great player to watch and arguably our greatest captain. We thank you for your contribution and hope it's not too long before you'll add to your England MVP numbers.

Jimmy Anderson continues to lead the way in this summer's England MVP. Anderson's 3-72 in South Africa's first innings at Edgbaston took his tally for the summer to 36 wickets, 29 of which have come in the Test arena where he is also ranked first.

Stuart Broad holds onto second place overall despite not having featured in Birmingham. Broad has scored 279 runs in Tests this summer including fifties in each of his last three matches. How valuable might another such contribution have been at Edgbaston?

Kevin Pietersen is ranked third overall and third in Test cricket after his 94 in the second innings at Edgbaston changed the face of the match. Much has been made of Pietersen's dismissal but his attacking approach and ability to back himself might rub off on others if he's given the opportunity to usher England into a new era. Pietersen has scored 669 runs (494 in Tests) with two Test centuries and a one-day century at the Riverside.

England's Mr. Reliable Ryan Sidebottom is in fourth spot in the overall MVP and second in the Test MVP. The left-armer has taken 23 Test wickets, including 3-81 in the first South African innings at Edgbaston.

Ian Bell scored 70 runs at his home ground including a first innings fifty. He has 548 runs (348 in Tests) and is ranked fifth in the overall MVP.

Paul Collingwood demonstrated all his fighting qualities and strength of character to record his sixth Test century just days before resigning the England one-day captaincy. Collingwood's 135 gave England a chance of victory in the Test match, whilst probably saving his international career. The Durham man has scored 327 runs and taken eight wickets across all cricket and has moved up to sixth in the overall MVP.

For more information and to see the full tables and leaders in individual competitions click on the links below.

Overall Rankings - MVP
LVCC Rankings
Friends Provident Rankings
Twenty20 Rankings
NatWest Pro40 Rankings