England cricketer Alastair Cook wins the most valuable player award

Alastair Cook caps a superb summer with the FTI MVP award

Alastair Cook has been named England's most valuable player of the summer at the Professional Cricketers' Association annual dinner.

The 26-year-old beat off stiff competition after an excellent summer for the national team.

His five hundreds and five 50s during the Test and one-day internationals against Sri Lanka and India, secured him the FTI MVP award.

The Essex batsman also took 11 catches as England cruised to victory.

"The MVP is an amazing award to win," Cook told Press Association Sport.

"It's very hard to compare bowlers and batsmen and their performances but it's very nice to know that by getting this award, you've contributed to the success of an England side that has been winning."

Cook also led England to one-day series wins over Sri Lanka and India in his first roles as captain in the 50-over format.

He added: "Any time you get an award like this is great, especially in a summer when there's been so many outstanding performances."