DURHAM seamer Chris Rushworth has set his sights on a Test debut with England after being crowned PCA Player of the Year last night.

Rushworth, who ended the season with 100 wickets in all competitions, claimed the Reg Hayter Cup at last night’s PCA Awards at Tobacco Dock in London.

The 29-year-old was selected by his fellow county cricketers thanks to his performances throughout the season, which ended with him claiming 83 LV= County Championship wickets to break the previous Durham record which was held by Ottis Gibson.

Last year’s PCA Player of the Year was Yorkshire batsman Adam Lyth, who opened the batting for England in this summer’s Ashes, and Rushworth is hoping to enjoy similar international recognition in the not-too-distant future.

“I am over the moon, it is a massive achievement,” said Rushworth, who was released by Durham in 2006, only to return to the club and make his County Championship debut four years later. “To be voted for by fellow players and your peers is a very privileged moment and one I’m very proud of.

“Personally, this year couldn’t have gone any better, 83 wickets to go past a club record, it’s just a shame we didn’t win anything as a team. Personally, I couldn’t be more pleased and to finish off with this award wraps up a brilliant season.

“For myself, this award is massive, and the biggest individual award in county cricket. You play against these guys quite a few times a year so to be voted to win this award is a huge achievement and I’m very grateful and proud.

“Hopefully, it’s the next step to progressing towards further honours. To receive this from guys who have also had fantastic seasons and to pip them to the post is a fantastic moment.

“The guys that have won it in recent years have gone on to play Test cricket like Adam Lyth, Moeen Ali and Nick Compton so that is definitely in my sights. Hopefully I have another good season next year and I can put my name in the hat for Test selection.”

Stuart Broad was crowned the Investec Test Player of the Summer, with England Women’s star Anya Shrubsole winning the Waitrose Women’s Player of the Summer award thanks to her performances in the Ashes.

Surrey starlet Tom Curran picked up the Young Player of the Year award, with Jim Cumbes, the former Lancashire chief executive and player, winning the PCA Special Merit Award in recognition of more than 50 years of service to the game.