Wisden picks Shikhar Dhawan among its five Cricketers of the Year

Wisden, regarded by many as cricket's Bible, has chosen Indian batsman Shikhar Dhawan among its five cricketers of the year. Wisden first chose its first batch of cricketers of the year in 1889. In 2000, Wisden named its Five Cricketers of the Century: Sir Donald Bradman, Sir Garfield Sobers, Sir Jack Hobbs, Shane Warne and Sir Viv Richards. (Click here for latest on cricket)

Although there are numerous cricket awards in recent times, Wisden continues to occupy a special place in a cricketer's heart. The award, more of a recognition and decided by the editor, is based on last year's performance and is an important feature of the annual almanac, the 151st edition of which was published on Wednesday.

Apart from Dhawan, the others on the Wisden list are young English all-rounder Joe Root, Australian paceman Ryan Harris, Aussie opener Chris Rogers and England captain Charlotte Edwards, the second woman ever to win this award.

Wisden has named South African pacer Dale Steyn as the Leading Cricketer of the Year and also included 73-year-old Enid Bakewell among the five greatest female cricketers in history.

Twenty-eight-year-old Dhawan was recognized for his 187 off 174 balls on debut against Australia in the Mohali Test in March last year. Dhawan's versatility with the bat saw him scoring 363 runs at an average of 90 as India won the ICC Champions Trophy in UK last year.

Harris and Rogers won because of their contribution with ball and bat, respectively, especially in the return Ashes where Australia whipped England 5-0. Harris took 24 wickets while opener Rogers, who made a comeback at 35, was the leading run-getter.

Twenty-three-year-old Root, scored his maiden Test century against New Zealand at Headingley. His 180 in the second Test against Australia at Lord's helped England win the Ashes.