Cavendish has had (another) great year, but that doesn’t mean he’s necessarily going to win. He has a great year every year, maybe now is his time?
Strauss and Cook, well England have done something I never thought would happen. They totally dominate Test Match cricket, and wiped the floor with the 2 best sides in the world so comprehensively it was almost embarrassing to watch! Strauss has totally gelled the team and is easily the best England captain for decades on paper, and has helped create such strength in depth that there are probably 30 odd players all worthy of playing for England at test level now! Cook has shown repeatedly that he is an utter genius with a cricket bat, and that he has the ability to singlehandedly break the will of any team playing against him just cos he will bat and bat and bat (and score lots of runs too). Cook is an incredible talent, if slightly inconsistent, but what a year he has had too!
McIlroy and Clarke have both done great things this year winning a major each, but that’s about it. That said, SPOTY is often won by the person with the biggest comeback story, or ability to tug at the heartstrings. Both guys score highly here, especially Darren Clarke, and he’s already a big personality that the public love!
Don’t really think any of the others will get, or deserve a look in. No Farrah has done a good job yes, but his achievements outweighed by those above. Amir Khan probably feels embarrassed to be on the list now!
My prediction though…
1st Cav
2nd Clarke
3rd Cook
With England Cricket team winning the team award.