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ICC announces 'Player of the Month'

These awards are a great initiative which gives the smaller teams the chance to gain stardom but just like every other award in cricket this too will loose its value once the bias for India kicks in. While i do believe a lot of the awards Indians win are earned due to their superior performances, a lot are won due to not so superior performances. For anyone disagreeing go check the awards:

A similar award named the ICC fans player of the year was launched for about 5 years where every year atleast 1+ Indians were nominated and won most of the times. Some were nominated due to performances while some were nominated due to stature. No Pakistani was ever nominated for obvious reasons. Heck even Bhuvneshwar Kumar was nominated in a year he did nothing and actually won the awards. The Sangakkara started winning due to his worldwide love and so the award was scrapped as Indians had competition now.

There have been some other laughable nominations or even wins for Indians in the ICC awards. Jadeja was once nominated in the ODI team of the year when he played a total of 3-4 matches and score less than 50 runs to go with 2-3 wickets i think. Ashwin had an amazing year in Tests and was rewarded with a deserved Test Player of the Year award to go with the Overall Player of the year which was a joke as he had played 1 or 2 non test matches that year. Ajmal was not even nominated for the award in the year where he took 120+ wickets when the next guy was with 80 odd wickets. There are tons of other cases but you get the point.

Similarly the Cricinfo awards are a joke where Performance is rewarded when an Indian Performs and Situation is rewarded when an Indian does not score.

Pant & Ashwin had great months and maybe even deserved these awards but wait a few month and youl realize that is not the case and these awards dont reward performance they reward somehting else. I mean Bhuvneshwar is nominated on the back of 10 wickets in 8 matches at home but Rizwan isnt on the back of 2 MOS awards in a month? Just look at the monthly awards in football where performance is rewarded irrespective of your name, You score more you win more!

I used to be a crazy follower of these awards and kept multiple sheets for them but have lost the need to do so now due to the bias. Dont get me wrong i love Indian cricket and some of its players, i just dont love abuse of power.

Regards
 
The International Cricket Council (ICC) today announced the winners of the ICC Player of the Month Awards for March which recognise and celebrate the best performances from both male and female cricketers across all forms of international cricket throughout the year.
India’s Bhuvneshwar Kumar won the ICC Men’s Player of the Month for March 2021, for his impressive performances in India’s recently concluded series against England. He was the standout bowler on either side in the white-ball series and was chosen the winner for the month by fans and the ICC voting academy.

Reacting to the win Bhuvneshwar Kumar said, “After what seemed like a really long and painful gap, I was delighted to be playing for India again. I used the time away to work on my fitness and skill and I am happy to be back taking wickets for my country. I would like to thank each and every person who helped me in this journey starting from my family and friends and my teammates. Also, a special thank you to the ICC voting academy and all the fans who voted for me and made me the ICC Men’s Player of the Month for March.”

Commenting on Kumar’s performance in March, VVS Laxman representing the ICC Voting Academy said: “Bhuvi missed nearly a year and a half of international cricket through multiple unrelated injuries, but you’d never have guessed. He was outstanding in both the PowerPlay overs and at the death in the white-ball formats against a powerful, aggressive England batting line-up. Economical and penetrative, he was instrumental in shaping Indian triumphs in both series.”

From the South African camp, Lizelle Lee who played four ODIs against India where she scored a century and two half-centuries to move to the top of the MRF Tyres ICC Women’s ODI Batting Rankings, was deservingly named the ICC Women’s Player of the Month for March 2021.

Reacting to the win Lizelle Lee said: “I am happy and honoured to receive this award. Such accolades are a great way to keep me motivated and to continue to work even harder on my game. A big thank you to my teammates for their support as this would never have been possible without them."

Commenting on Lee’s performance in March, Ramiz Raja representing the ICC Voting Academy added: “It is not easy scoring those many runs in alien batting conditions. It is always a challenge to adjust from bouncy pitches to slow low turning tracks and Lizelle did magnificently.”
 
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A useless gimmick award by ICC. No value. Performance over a year is worth the weight to be appreciated and will reflect in the rankings of teams/players. That is all should be there to it.

May be ICC is trying to engage some younger fans.
 
What a useless award this is.

January 2021- Pant :inti
February 2021- Ashwin
March 2021- Bhuvaneswar
 
The International Cricket Council (ICC) today announced the nominees for April’s ICC Player of the Month Awards to recognise the best performances from both male and female cricketers across all forms of international cricket.

ICC Men’s Player of the Month Nominees for April: Babar Azam (Pakistan), Khushal Bhurtel (Nepal), Fakhar Zaman (Pakistan)

ICC Women’s Player of the Month Nominees for April: Alyssa Healy (Australia), Leigh Kasperek (New Zealand), Megan Schutt (Australia)


About the ICC Men’s Player of the Month Nominees for April:

In the month of April, Pakistan captain Babar Azam became the No.1 ranked batsman in the MRF Tyres ICC Men’s ODI Player Rankings, ending India captain Virat Kohli's long reign at the top of the charts.

Babar's match-winning 82-ball 94 in the third ODI against South Africa helped him gain 13 rating points to reach a career-best 865 points. He also contributed 122 from 59 balls in Pakistan’s successful chase in the third match of a T20I series against the same opposition.

His compatriot Fakhar Zaman also produced a stellar showing during the month, scoring two centuries in the ODI series victory over South Africa, including a magnificent 193 in the second match in Johannesburg.

Completing the men’s shortlist, Nepal’s Khushal Bhurtel was the leading run-scorer as his team won a tri-series also featuring the Netherlands and Malaysia. His significant contribution with the bat totalled 278 runs, including four half-centuries in five matches.

About the ICC Women’s Player of the Month Nominees for April:

Australia’s Alyssa Healy played three ODIs versus New Zealand, scoring 155 runs at an average of 51.66 and a strike rate of 98.72. Her efforts saw her finish as the leading run-scorer in Australia’s series victory over New Zealand that extended their record-winning streak to 24 ODIs.

Her teammate Megan Schutt became Australia’s leading wicket-taker in the same series, taking seven wickets at an average of 13.14.

New Zealand’s Leigh Kasperek played two ODIs against Australia, achieving career-best figures of six for 46 in the second match of the series, and followed this up with three more wickets in the final match, finishing with nine wickets at an average of 7.77.

The ICC Player of the Month voting process:

The three nominees for either category are shortlisted based on on-field performances and overall achievements during that month (the first to the last day of each calendar month).

This shortlist is then voted on by the independent ICC Voting Academy* and fans around the world. The ICC Voting Academy comprises prominent members of the cricket family including senior journalists, former players, broadcasters, and some members of the ICC Hall of Fame.

The Voting Academy will submit their votes by email and retain a 90 per cent share of the vote. Additionally, fans registered with the ICC will be able to vote via the ICC website once the shortlisted players are announced and will have a 10 per cent share of the vote. Winners will be announced every second Monday of the month on the ICC’s digital channels.

ICC Voting Academy for ICC Player of the Month April 2021*

Afghanistan: Hameed Qayoomi and Javed Hamim; Australia: Melinda Farrell and Lisa Sthalekar; Bangladesh: Tarek Mahmoud and Mohammad Isam’ England: Elizabeth Ammon and Claire Taylor; Ireland: Ian Callender and Isobel Joyce; India: Annesha Ghosh and VVS Laxman’ New Zealand: Mark Geenty and John Wright; Pakistan: Faizan Lakhani and Ramiz Raja; South Africa: Firdose Moonda and Makhaya Ntini; Sri Lanka: Neville Victor Anthony and Russel Arnold; West Indies: Ian Bishop and Merissa Aguilleira; Zimbabwe: Tristan Holme and Mpumelelo Mbangwa; Others: Paul Radley and Dirk Nannes.
 
The International Cricket Council (ICC) today announced the nominees for the ICC Player of the Month Awards for April to recognise the best performances from both male and female cricketers across all forms of international cricket.

The ICC Men’s Player of the Month April Nominees: Babar Azam (PAK), Fakhar Zaman (PAK), and Kushal Bhurtel (NEP)


Babar Azam, Pakistan

Babar played three ODIs against South Africa, stringing together fantastic performances. He returned scores of 103 and 94, which won him two Player of the Match awards in Pakistan's series victory. He finished the series with 228 runs at a strike rate of 104. His performances helped him move ahead of Virat Kohli as the No.1-ranked ODI batsman, becoming the fourth Pakistan player to do so after Zaheer Abbas, Javed Miandad, and Mohammad Yousuf.

Babar played seven T20Is in April, four against South Africa and three against Zimbabwe, scoring a total of 305 runs at 43.75 with a strike rate of 126.55 with two half-centuries and a 59-ball 122 at the centurion. Among the highlights was a 197-run partnership with Mohammad Rizwan, the highest partnership in a T20I run chase.


Fakhar Zaman, Pakistan

Fakhar accompanies his fellow countryman in the list of nominees after a string of impressive outings. He scored a total of 302 runs at 100.66, with a strike rate of 111.43 in the three ODIs against South Africa. In that series, he scored two centuries, including an inspired knock of 193 in the second ODI. His two centuries enabled him to jump to a career-best seventh position in the ICC ODI batsmen's rankings.


Kushal Bhurtel, Nepal

Nepal's opening batsman Kushal Bhurtel created history – he scored three consecutive half-centuries, and became the first player in T20I history to do so. The 24-year-old was the leading run-scorer of the tournament with 278 runs as Nepal won their tri-series against Netherlands and Malaysia, scoring four half-centuries in the process.

Bhurtel's brilliant showing granted him an entry into the top 100 of the MRF Tyres ICC Men's T20I Batting Rankings – he currently sit at the 93rd position.
 
I reckon it should go to Fakhar considering he played one of the better knocks you'll see in a run chase against a pretty good bowling line up.

All things said Babar will probably win it due to a very good innings against a very poor bowling lineup
 
silly gimmick, won't work like football because teams don't even play every month for starters, there's no consistency in the number of games each team plays a month
 
I thought ICC might have somehow managed to include Dhoni in April's nominees :p
 
Gavaskar's once in a lifetime innings of 36* in 1975 WC could somehow have be included as well since it seems to always be given to Indian players (so far).

They probably read his name: Kushal Bhurtel and genuinely got fooled in to thinking he was an Indian player
 
Monsee said:
Gavaskar's once in a lifetime innings of 36* in 1975 WC could somehow have be included as well since it seems to always be given to Indian players (so far).

They probably read his name: Kushal Bhurtel and genuinely got fooled in to thinking he was an Indian player
Click to expand...

I am also amazed why 15 years old Shami is not included in the award list. You dont have to play or do anything, just show your national ID.
 
Off course ICC=BCCI....
didn't india win in Adelaide and Chennai?
And the last two ICC WC's?
The last few T20 WC's
the ct2017...
Every series home and away...
The top 10 of every top 10 invented in cricket
The scheduling, FTP WC schedules is all decided by BCCI
That said - player of the month awawrd is def cringe...
 
MesonK said:
I am also amazed why 15 years old Shami is not included in the award list. You dont have to play or do anything, just show your national ID.
Click to expand...

:)

The fact that some of this corruption is obvious and quite simple to see, yet very rarely you see any Indian poster saying that the Indian guy didn't deserve it more than others e.g. Bhuvneshwar one in this case is as bad as it gets. Rashid Khan def deserved it more, same also the issue with Rizwan not even being included in the last two months despite having some spectacular performances!
 
Babar’s brilliant April: Top of the ODI batting charts and a T20I record-breaker

Pakistan’s Babar Azam has been voted the ICC’s Men’s Player of the Month for April. We look back on the feats that got him there.

By the numbers

ODIs – 228 runs at 76.00. One century. High score of 103
T20Is – 305 runs at 43.57. One century. High score of 122

Dominating the ODIs against South Africa

Babar has developed a serious fondness for South Africa’s bowling in ODI cricket. He averages 65.37 across his 10 ODIs against the Proteas – the only team he fares better against in the format is the West Indies (89.33).

The 26-year-old continued to thrive at South Africa’s expense in April, as he led Pakistan to just their second ODI series win in the nation.

The skipper was the series’ second-highest run-scorer, making 228 at 76.00 as he took out Player of the Match honours in both victories of the 2-1 win. In the series opener, he scored a fluent 103 off 104 in a chase of 274, setting the innings up perfectly in a 177-run second-wicket stand. He then stepped up in the series decider, making 94 off 82 before falling on the final ball of the innings.

It was a performance that propelled Pakistan to a total of 320/7, 28 too many for the Proteas.


Rise to No.1 in ODIs

The right-hander’s performance in South Africa was enough to lift him to top spot on the ICC ODI men’s batting rankings for the first time in his career.

With that he ended India skipper Virat Kohli’s long reign atop the men’s ODI batting rankings – a spot he had held since October 2017 – and became just the fourth Pakistani player to hold the position.

Given the previous three – Zaheer Abbas (1988-84), Javed Miandad (1988-89) and Mohammad Yousuf (2003) – are all bona fide greats of Pakistani cricket, Babar is in good company.

“Babar continues to mesmerize fans and the cricket world in general with the exhibition of his skills,” ICC Voting Academy member, commentator and former quick Pommie Mbangwa said.

“So stylish is he that anytime he scores runs, and it seems to be always, the compilation of his innings and collection of those runs is a sight to behold.

“That he has got to the top of the ICC ODI batting rankings serves as a reminder that even though being one so young, he is amongst the best there is in the current game. He surely is a master craftsman and a joy to watch.”

Sitting on top of the ODI batting rankings and having previously done the same in T20Is, Babar has now set his eyes on doing the same in Test cricket.

"I feel privileged and honoured to have joined the company of stalwarts like Zaheer Abbas, Javed Miandad and Mohammad Yousuf, who will always be the shining stars of Pakistan cricket," he said.

"I have also previously topped the T20I rankings, but the ultimate ambition and goal is to lead the Test rankings, which are the real testament and reward to a batsman's calibre, reputation and skills."


A record-breaking T20I masterclass

Babar’s white ball mastery is not limited to ODIs and he showed just that in the third T20I against South Africa.

Across 59 balls of near-flawless batting, he helped himself to 122 runs off 59 balls, hitting 15 fours and four sixes to help Pakistan make light work of a chase of 204.

“The world bats in two ways in white-ball cricket,” ICC Voting Academy member and former Pakistan batter Ramiz Raja said. “One way is to destroy attacks with muscle and force and then there is the Babar Azam way, like conducting a batting symphony with punch, panache and flair.”

His maiden T20I century was the highest individual score ever registered by a Pakistan batsman in the format, eclipsing the 111* scored by Ahmed Shehzad at the ICC T20 World Cup 2014. It also broke Chris Gayle’s record for the highest individual score against South Africa, going past the West Indies’ opener’s 117 in 2017.

While it was the second-highest score in a T20I chase, behind Evin Lewis’ unbeaten 125 against India in 2017, it stands as the highest score in a T20I chase by a captain, breaking Paras Khadka’s 106* for Nepal in 2019.

On 25 April, Babar made further history, becoming the fastest batter to score 2000 runs in men's T20Is. He reached the milestone in just 52 innings, four fewer than Kohli.

https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/2136109
 
The International Cricket Council (ICC) today announced the winners of the ICC Player of the Month Awards for April which recognise and celebrate the best performances from both male and female cricketers across all forms of international cricket throughout the year.

Pakistan’s Babar Azam won the ICC Men’s Player of the Month for April 2021, for his consistent and outstanding performances across all formats in the recently concluded series against South Africa and was chosen as the April winner by fans and the ICC voting academy. Babar's match-winning 82-ball 94 in the third ODI against South Africa helped him gain 13 rating points to reach a career-best 865 points. He also contributed 122 from 59 balls in Pakistan’s successful chase in the third match of a T20I series against the same opposition.

Commenting on Azam’s performance in April, Ramiz Raja representing the ICC Voting Academy said: “The world bats in two ways in white ball cricket. One way is to destroy attacks with muscle and force and then there is the Babar Azam way, like conducting a batting symphony with punch, panache and flair, and he deserves to win this award.”

From the Australian camp, Alyssa Healy was deservingly named the ICC Women’s Player of the Month for April 2021. Healy’s consistency with the bat has been a significant part of Australia’s dominance, showing her class in all conditions and against all types of bowling in the recent series against New Zealand. Healy played three ODIs versus New Zealand, scoring 155 runs at an average of 51.66 and a strike rate of 98.72. Her efforts saw her finish as the leading run-scorer in Australia’s series victory over New Zealand that extended their record-winning streak to 24 ODIs.

Commenting on Healy’s performance in April, Ian Bishop representing the ICC Voting Academy added: “Healy deserves to win the ICC Women’s Player of the Month - April as she added the runs at the top consistently and at a good tempo to help set up Australia's scoring in chases and target setting across all three games of their record-breaking series.”

Fans can continue to vote every month for their favourite male and female cricketers across all formats of international cricket as part of the ICC Player of the Month initiative by registering at www.icc-cricket.com/awards.

The ICC Player of the Month voting process:

The three nominees for both categories were shortlisted based on on-field performances and overall achievements during the month (the first to the last day of each calendar month).

The shortlist is then voted on by the independent ICC Voting Academy* and fans around the world. The ICC Voting Academy comprises prominent members of the cricket family including senior journalists, former players, broadcasters and members of the ICC Hall of Fame.

The Voting Academy submit their votes by email and retain a 90 per cent share of the vote. Additionally, fans registered with the ICC are able to vote via the ICC website once the shortlisted players are announced and have a 10 per cent share of the vote. Winners are announced every second Monday of the month via the ICC’s digital channels.
 
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ICC Men’s Player of the Month Nominees for May: Hasan Ali (PAK), Praveen Jayawickrama (SL), Mushfiqur Rahim (BAN)
ICC Women’s Player of the Month Nominees for May: Kathryn Bryce (SCO), Gaby Lewis (IRE), Leah Paul (IRE)

The International Cricket Council (ICC) today announced the nominees for May’s ICC Player of the Month Awards to recognise the best performances from both male and female cricketers across all forms of international cricket.


About the ICC Men’s Player of the Month Nominees for May:

In the month of May, Hasan Ali of Pakistan played two Tests against Zimbabwe where he took a total of 14 wickets. From Sri Lanka’s camp, debutant Praveen Jayawickrama played one Test against Bangladesh, where he took a total of 11 wickets at 16.11. He bowled Sri Lanka to victory in the second Test against Bangladesh with the best match figures by any Sri Lankan bowler on Test debut. Mushfiqur Rahim of Bangladesh played one Test and three ODIs against Sri Lanka. He helped Bangladesh win their first ODI series against Sri Lanka by scoring 125 in the second ODI.


About the ICC Women’s Player of the Month Nominees for May:

All-rounder Kathryn Bryce is the first player from Scotland, male, or female, to make it to the top 10 of the batting or bowling lists in the MRF Tyres ICC Player Rankings released recently. She played four T20Is against Ireland where she scored 96 runs and took 5 wickets with an economy rate of 4.76. Gaby Lewis from Ireland also played four T20Is against Scotland where she scored 116 runs at 29.00 with a strike rate of 116.00. She became the leading run-scorer in the series between Ireland and Scotland, with innings of 47 in the second match and 49 in the fourth. Her compatriot Leah Paul took 9 wickets at 4.44 with an economy rate of 4.44 against Scotland and became the leading wicket-taker in the T20I series between Ireland and Scotland.


The ICC Player of the Month voting process:

The three nominees for either category are shortlisted based on on-field performances and overall achievements during that month (the first to the last day of each calendar month).

This shortlist is then voted on by the independent ICC Voting Academy* and fans around the world. The ICC Voting Academy comprises prominent members of the cricket family including senior journalists, former players, broadcasters, and some members of the ICC Hall of Fame.

The Voting Academy will submit their votes by email and retain a 90 per cent share of the vote. Additionally, fans registered with the ICC will be able to vote via the ICC website once the shortlisted players are announced and will have a 10 per cent share of the vote. Winners will be announced every second Monday of the month on the ICC’s digital channels.


ICC Voting Academy for ICC Player of the Month May 2021 *:-

Afghanistan: Hameed Qayoomi and Javed Hamim; Australia: Melinda Farrell and Lisa Sthalekar; Bangladesh: Tarek Mahmoud and Mohammad Isam’ England: Elizabeth Ammon and Claire Taylor; Ireland: Ian Callender and Isobel Joyce; India: Annesha Ghosh and VVS Laxman’ New Zealand: Mark Geenty and John Wright; Pakistan: Faizan Lakhani and Ramiz Raja; South Africa: Firdose Moonda and Makhaya Ntini; Sri Lanka: Neville Victor Anthony and Russel Arnold; West Indies: Ian Bishop and Merissa Aguilleira; Zimbabwe: Tristan Holme and Mpumelelo Mbangwa; Others: Paul Radley and Dirk Nannes
 
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The International Cricket Council (ICC) today announced the winners of the ICC Player of the Month Awards for May 2021 which recognise and celebrate the best performances from both male and female cricketers across all forms of international cricket throughout the year.

All-rounder Kathryn Bryce from Scotland was deservingly voted the ICC Women’s Player of the Month for May 2021. She is the first player from Scotland, male, or female, to make it to the top 10 of the batting or bowling lists in the MRF Tyres ICC Player Rankings released recently. Kathryn played four T20Is against Ireland where she scored 96 runs and took 5 wickets with an economy rate of 4.76 in the month of May.

Commenting on Kathryn’s performance in May, Ramiz Raja representing the ICC Voting Academy said: “Kathryn’s all-round game came through in a series that her team lost. She batted with flair and bowled well too and deserved to be the player of the month for May.”

From the Bangladesh camp, Mushfiqur Rahim was deservingly named the ICC Men’s Player of the Month for May 2021. Mushfiqur played one Test and three ODIs against Sri Lanka in the month of May where he helped Bangladesh win their first ODI series against Sri Lanka by scoring 125 in the second ODI.

Commenting on Rahim’s performance in May, VVS Laxman representing the ICC Voting Academy added: “Even after 15 years at the highest level, Mushfiqur has not lost his appetite for run-making. He was at his imperious best in the one-day series at home against Sri Lanka, a picture of consistency with the highlight being 125 in the second match which helped his side secure a winning 2-0 lead in the three-match series. What made his feat even more notable was that it was Bangladesh’s first-ever ODI series triumph against the 1996 World Cup champions. To shore up the middle order and don the wicket-keeping gloves speaks volumes of his fitness and skills.”
 
The International Cricket Council (ICC) today announced the June nominees for the ICC Player of the Month awards, instituted in January this year to recognise the best international performances across formats for male and female cricketers.

The nominees for the monthly men’s awards this time are Devon Conway, Quinton de Kock and Kyle Jamieson while Sophie Ecclestone, Sneh Rana and Shafali Verma figure in the women’s shortlist.

An independent ICC Voting Academy* and fans around the world will now vote to decide the winners, which will be announced on Monday, 12 July. Fans registered on icc-cricket.com/awards can cast their votes till Sunday.

ICC Men’s Player of the Month Award nominees for June:

Devon Conway (New Zealand)

Opener Devon Conway smashed a double century on Test debut at Lord’s to enter the MRF Tyres ICC Men’s Test Player Rankings in 77th position with a record 447 rating points, the highest for a New Zealand batsman on debut and the third highest ever on debut. He followed it up with half-centuries in his next two Tests, including the ICC World Test Championship Final, to aggregate 379 runs at an average of 63.16.

Quinton de Kock (South Africa)

Wicketkeeper-batsman Quinton de Kock finished as the Player of the Series against the West Indies, notching an unbeaten 141 in the first Test and 96 in the second Test for an aggregate of 237 runs at an average of 118.50. In three T20Is against the same side, he scored 135 runs at a strike rate of 142.10.

Kyle Jamieson (New Zealand)

Fast bowler Kyle Jamieson was the Player of the Match in the ICC World Test Championship Final against India in Southampton, finishing with match figures of seven for 61. He dismissed India captain Virat Kohli in both innings, while his other scalps included Rohit Sharma, Cheteshwar Pujara and Rishabh Pant. He played two Tests during the month, finishing with 10 wickets at an average of 17.40.


ICC Women’s Player of the Month Award nominees for June:

Sophie Ecclestone (England)

The left-arm spinner was the most successful bowler in the one-off Test against India, finishing with a match haul of eight for 206 for an average of 25.75. Bagging four wickets in each innings of the Test match, she also had three in each of the two ODIs which followed during the month, her six wickets coming at an average of 12.16 and an economy rate of 3.65.

Sneh Rana (India)

All-rounder Sneh Rana had a memorable Test debut at Bristol, her unbeaten 80 off 154 deliveries helping stave off defeat against England after India were made to follow on. Earlier in the match, she finished with four for 131, accounting for well-set opener Tammy Beaumont and Amy Jones among others. She also took one for 43 in an ODI against the same side.

Shafali Verma (India)

Big-hitting opener Shafali Verma made a stunning debut against England and was named Player of the Match in the Bristol Test. The 17-year-old became the first Indian woman and fourth from any country to score half-centuries in both innings of a debut Test, notching 96 and 63. Her first innings score was the highest by an Indian woman on debut. She also aggregated 59 runs in two ODIs against India at a strike rate of 85.50.

The voting process:

The three nominees for either category are shortlisted based on performances from the first to the last day of each calendar month.

The shortlist is then voted on by the independent ICC Voting Academy* and fans around the world. The ICC Voting Academy comprises prominent members of the cricket fraternity including well-known journalists, former players, broadcasters and members of the ICC Hall of Fame.

The Voting Academy submit their votes by email and hold a 90 per cent share of the vote. Fans registered with the ICC vote via the ICC website, accounting for the remaining 10 per cent. Winners are announced every second Monday of the month on the ICC’s digital channels.

ICC Voting Academy for June 2021*:

Afghanistan: Hameed Qayoomi and Javed Hamim; Australia: Melinda Farrell and Lisa Sthalekar; Bangladesh: Tarek Mahmud and Mohammad Isam; England: Elizabeth Ammon and Claire Taylor; Ireland: Ian Callender and Isobel Joyce; India: Annesha Ghosh and VVS Laxman; New Zealand: Mark Geenty and John Wright; Pakistan: Faizan Lakhani and Ramiz Raja; South Africa: Firdose Moonda and Makhaya Ntini; Sri Lanka: Neville Victor Anthony and Russel Arnold; West Indies: Ian Bishop and Merissa Aguilleira; Zimbabwe: Tristan Holme and Mpumelelo Mbangwa; Others: Paul Radley and Dirk Nannes.
 
Guess it should be Jamieson or Conway in Men's
and Shafali and Ecclestone in Women's category
 
New Zealand opener Devon Conway and England spinner Sophie Ecclestone have been named the ICC Players of the Month for June at the conclusion of the voting process, which combines votes cast by former players, prominent journalists and global cricket fans.

Left-hander Conway became the first New Zealand player to win the ICC Men’s Player of the Month award after an astounding first month in Test cricket, cracking a solid double century on debut against England at Lord’s and following it up with two half-centuries in his next two games, including in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final in Southampton.

Conway won the award ahead of team-mate Kyle Jamieson, who was the Player of the Match in the WTC Final against India, with South Africa’s Quinton de Kock the other nominee for his fine performances on their tour of the West Indies.

Devon Conway: “I’m truly honoured to win this award. That I have received it for my performances in Test cricket makes it extra special.

“Scoring a double century at Lord’s was a dream come true for me and to have also been able to contribute to our win over India in the ICC World Test Championship Final is something that I know I will proudly look back on in years to come.

“I would like to thank the ICC and New Zealand Cricket for their support and encouragement and look forward to the international cricket to come in the second half of this year.”

Voting Academy panelist Ramiz Raja on Conway: “His batting on debut at Lord’s ranks as one of the best shows of the year. He plays the ball late, has the patience of a saint, and moves with the smoothness of a warrior. Flavour of the month by a long way!”

Ecclestone wins ahead of Indian pair: Left-arm spinner Ecclestone edged out the Indian pair of Shafali Verma and Sneh Rana to become the second English female to win the ICC Women’s Player of the Month award after Tammy Beaumont, who was crowned in February.

Ecclestone, a winner of the annual ICC Emerging Player of the Year award in 2018, was the most successful bowler in the one-off Test against India in Bristol, where she finished with an eight-wicket haul. She also grabbed three wickets each in the two ODIs which followed.

Sophie Ecclestone: “It’s really nice to win this award. It’s after a period in which we’ve played all three formats so it feels good to be recognised for my performances in the Test and the white-ball series.

“We’ve been happy as a team how we’ve performed across this series. We would have liked to have won the Test match but hopefully we can clinch the multi-format series.

“It’s all crucial preparation for the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup in New Zealand, when we’ll be defending the title we won in 2017, and we feel in a decent place as a team.”

Big-hitting opener Verma had been nominated for a Player of the Match effort of 96 and 63 on debut in Bristol and some useful runs in the two subsequent ODIs. Rana’s performances during the period included a gritty 80 not out in the second innings to stave off defeat in Bristol and she picked up four wickets as well.

Voting Academy panelist Mpumelelo Mbangwa on Ecclestone: “What a month it was for Ecclestone. She compounded India's problems with some magnificent bowling through the series. There is no doubt that her opponents got sick of having to deal with her as she ensured no place to hide, foxing them with her flight and guile. A quite wonderful month in which she was very influential for her England team.”

ICC Voting Academy for June 2021*:

Afghanistan: Hameed Qayoomi and Javed Hamim; Australia: Melinda Farrell and Lisa Sthalekar; Bangladesh: Tarek Mahmud and Mohammad Isam; England: Elizabeth Ammon and Claire Taylor; Ireland: Ian Callender and Isobel Joyce; India: Annesha Ghosh and VVS Laxman; New Zealand: Mark Geenty and John Wright; Pakistan: Faizan Lakhani and Ramiz Raja; South Africa: Firdose Moonda and Makhaya Ntini; Sri Lanka: Neville Victor Anthony and Russel Arnold; West Indies: Ian Bishop and Merissa Aguilleira; Zimbabwe: Tristan Holme and Mpumelelo Mbangwa; Others: Paul Radley and Dirk Nannes.
 
he International Cricket Council (ICC) today announced the July nominees for the ICC Player of the Month awards, instituted in January this year to recognise the best international performances across formats for male and female cricketers.

The nominees for the monthly men’s awards this time are Shakib Al Hasan (BAN), Mitchell Marsh (AUS) and Hayden Walsh Jr (WI) while Hayley Matthews (WI), Fatima Sana (PAK) and Stafanie Taylor (WI) figure in the women’s shortlist.

ICC Men’s Player of the Month for July:

Shakib Al Hasan (Bangladesh)
Experienced star all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan of Bangladesh contributed to all three formats of the game as Bangladesh won the series against Zimbabwe last month. Shakib Al Hasan scored 96 unbeaten runs as Bangladesh defeated Zimbabwe by three wickets in the second ODI at the Harare Sports Club. In the T20Is with the ball, Hasan took three wickets at an economy rate of seven leading his country to a series win against Zimbabwe.

Mitchell Marsh (Australia)
Australian allrounder Mitchell Marsh played three ODIs and five T20Is against West Indies last month. In the T20Is, Marsh scored 219 runs with a strike rate of 152.08 and took 8 wickets with an economy rate of 6.76, making him the lead run-scorer and wicket-taker for Australia in the series.

Hayden Walsh Jr (West Indies)
Leg-spinner Hayden Walsh Jr played three ODIs against Australia last month, where he took seven wickets with an economy rate of 4.14. Walsh Jr was also the most impressive bowler in the T20I series against Australia where he picked up twelve wickets in five games at an average of 11.66, making him the leading wicket-taker for the West Indies in both the ODI and T20I series against Australia.
ICC Women’s Player of the Month for July:

Hayley Matthews (West Indies)
West Indies all-rounder Hayley Matthews scored her second ODI hundred and took two wickets with the ball as West Indies cruised to a dominant series-clinching eight-wicket win over Pakistan last month. Matthews was also named Player of the Series against Pakistan.

Fatima Sana (PAK)
Fatima Sana was the leading wicket-taker for Pakistan in the ODI series against the West Indies, and also a joint-leader for her side in the T20I series between the sides. A maiden five-wicket haul from Fatima Sana helped Pakistan defeat West Indies by 22 runs via the DLS method in the fifth ODI of the series. In the same game, with four overs remaining in a shortened innings due to a delayed start, Sana scored an unbeaten 28 off 19 balls which included four boundaries. She was also named the player of the match for her stellar performance.

Stafanie Taylor (WI)
Captain Stafanie Taylor contributed with both bat and ball as the West Indies won both their ODI and T20I series against Pakistan in July. In the four ODIs against Pakistan, Stafanie scored 175 runs with a strike rate of 79.18 and took three wickets with an economy rate of 3.72. Stafanie was also on top of the rankings for batters and all-rounders in the MRF ICC Women’s ODI Rankings earlier in July.
 
Should go to Mitchell Marsh, he has been consistent.

Shakib gave away 50 runs from his 4 overs while defending 104 whereas 15 overs went for 54 runs also scored 14 of 27 balls or something created pressure on youngsters what an all round performance for the Aussies. No one puts a finger at Shakib.
 
There should be an ICC player of the year, should have been introduced long time back. Kohli probably would have won it for the last 7-8 years. The C Ronaldo of cricket
 
All-rounder and captain of the West Indies women squad Stafanie Taylor was deservingly voted the ICC Women’s Player of the Month for July 2021. Taylor contributed with both bat and ball as she led her team to win the ODI and T20I series against Pakistan in July. In the four ODIs against Pakistan, Stafanie scored 175 runs with a strike rate of 79.18 and took three wickets with an economy rate of 3.72. Stafanie was also on top of the rankings for batters and allrounders in the MRF ICC Women’s ODI Rankings earlier in July.

Commenting on her recognition, Stafanie said: “This is a bit surprising to me, winning ICC Player of the Month award for July, but I’m happy. It shows that the hard work you put in, will pay off and it did, against Pakistan, to help us win that series. We played well in both formats.

“I’m over in England now playing in The Hundred, which is a different kind of competition, played at a faster pace, but I’m still working hard. We’re also looking forward to the series against South Africa at home, and we will be looking to win that as well. I want to thank the fans for all their support, as it is always appreciated.”

From the Bangladesh camp, experienced all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan was deservingly named the ICC Men’s Player of the Month for July 2021 for his stellar performance across all three formats of the game. Shakib’s contributions to all three formats of the game helped Bangladesh win the series against Zimbabwe last month. He scored 96 unbeaten runs as Bangladesh defeated Zimbabwe by three wickets in the second ODI at the Harare Sports Club. In the T20Is with the ball, Hasan took three wickets at an economy rate of seven leading his country to a series win against Zimbabwe. He is also the top Men’s all-rounder in the MRF ICC Men’s T20 Rankings announced earlier today.

Reacting to his award Shakib Al Hasan said: “It is very humbling to be voted ICC Men’s Player of the Month for July 2021. There have been many outstanding performances during the month and that is why this is special for me.

“I find most pleasure and satisfaction when I contribute to wins and therefore, I am very happy to have helped in Bangladesh’s successes over the last few weeks.”
 
The International Cricket Council (ICC) today announced the August nominees for the ICC Player of the Month awards, instituted in January this year to recognise the best international performances across formats for male and female cricketers.

The nominees for the monthly men’s awards this time are, Pakistan’s Shaheen Shah Afridi, India’s Jasprit Bumrah and Joe Root from England while Thailand’s Nattaya Boochatham, Gaby Lewis and Eimer Richardson from Ireland feature in the women’s shortlist.

An independent ICC Voting Academy* and fans around the world can now vote to decide the winners, which will be announced next week. Fans registered on icc-cricket.com/awards are invited to cast their votes for their favourite ICC player of the month for August in both categories.

ICC Men’s Player of the Month for August:

Shaheen Shah Afridi (Pakistan)
Shaheen Afridi who played two Tests against the West Indies last month was exceptional with the ball in both the games and secured the best bowling figures by a Pakistan fast bowler since 2006. In the first game against the West Indies, Shaheen took eight wickets, before completing a ten-wicket match haul to bowl Pakistan to a series-levelling 109-run victory over the West Indies in the second Test. 21-year-old Shaheen also became the fourth youngest fast bowler from Pakistan to this feat which features his compatriots, Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis and Mohammad Zahid.

Jaspreet Bumrah (India)
Indian pacer Bumrah played three Tests against England as part of the ongoing ICC World Test Championship series last month where he took nine wickets in the first Test and contributed brilliantly with the bat in his match winning partnership of an unbeaten 89 with Mohammed Shami which kept the opposition waiting for a breakthrough and helped bring India victory in the second Test at the Lords.

Joe Root (England)
England captain Joe Root also played three Tests against India last month where he scored centuries in each and reclaimed the number one spot in the MRF Tyres ICC Men’s Test Player Rankings. Root’s sublime form in the ongoing ICC World Test Championship series against India has helped him reclaim the top spot for batters after nearly six years.

ICC Women’s Player of the Month for August:

Nattaya Boochatham (Thailand)
Vital contributions with both ball and bat in the series against Zimbabwe last month helped Thailand's Nattaya Boochatham achieve a career-best position across the MRF Tyres ICC Women’s T20I Player rankings for batters, bowlers, and all-rounders last month. Boochatham played a starring role in Thailand's 2-1 triumph over Zimbabwe, winning the Player of the Match award in both their wins.

Gaby Lewis (Ireland)
Gaby Lewis became the first Irish woman to score a century in T20I cricket as Ireland registered a 164-run win over Germany in the opening game of the Europe Qualifiers of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup supported by Dream 11. Lewis struck 11 fours and three sixes in a remarkable 60-ball unbeaten innings of 105.

Eimear Richardson (Ireland)
Eimear Richardson was the Player of the Tournament in Europe Qualifiers of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup for her contributions with bat and ball. In the four T20Is she played against Germany, Scotland, France and Netherlands, Richardson took 7 wickets at an economy rate of 4.19 and scored a total of 76 runs.
 
England Test captain Joe Root and Ireland’s Eimear Richardson have been voted as the winners of the ICC Players of the Month for August 2021.

England captain Joe Root was voted the ICC Men’s Player of the Month for August 2021 for his consistent performances in the first three Tests against India which were part of the ICC World Test Championship series. Root had scored more runs in the first three Tests than England's next three highest run-scorers combined and had also been their highest individual scorer in each of their five innings. On the back of his stunning display in August, Root climbed to the top of MRF Tyres ICC Men's Test Rankings for batters on 1 September. Placed fifth in the rankings before the start of the series, the England skipper had leapfrogged Virat Kohli, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith and Kane Williamson to the No.1 spot.

Commenting on Root’s performance in August, Pommie Mbangwa, a member of the ICC Voting Academy for the Player of the Month said: “Root made an amazing effort to score three consecutive test centuries in each of the first three tests in an engrossing and challenging series. That he has done it against a very strong Indian bowling attack adds to the feat, whilst getting back to the top of the batting rankings is the cherry on top.”

In women’s cricket, Ireland’s Eimear Richardson has had a sensational August as well, and was adjudged the ICC Women’s Player of the Month for August 2021. During the ICC Women's T20 World Cup Europe Qualifier supported by Dream 11, Richardson won the Player of the Tournament award for her superb performance with the bat and the ball, starting off against Germany, she returned figures of 2/6, as the Irish cruised home to a comfortable 164-run victory. She then followed it up with figures of 2/24 against Scotland. She continued her sizzling form with the ball in the remaining two matches against France and the Netherlands, returning with figures of 2/0 and 1/22 respectively, helping her team with back-to-back victories. With the bat, her most impactful knock came against Netherlands in their final match, when she scored a 49-ball 53, which helped her side reach a total of 111/9. Ireland eventually won the match by 24 runs, helping them clinch a second-place finish in the tournament. Richardson was among the highest run-scorers in the tournament, finishing fifth on the charts.

Reacting to her award Richardson said: “It was very exciting to be nominated for the ICC Women’s Player of the Month for August and to now be voted as the winner is just so amazing and humbling.”

“It was great to contribute to overall team performances at the European Qualifiers and hopefully we have done enough to make the next stage and compete on a global level again.”

“Behind every athlete, and any achievement, is a volume of people and support, so a big thanks to my teammates, head coach Ed Joyce and wider management. Also, to my workplace Northern Districts, which continues to endlessly support and enable me to play at the top level. “
 
The men's nominees for September feature Bangladesh spinner Nasum Ahmed, Nepal leggie Sandeep Lamichhane and USA's power-hitter Jaskaran Malhotra.

Nasum Ahmed was Bangladesh's star performer in their home T20I series against New Zealand, leaving the visitors bamboozled with his accurate line and length. He picked up 8 wickets in the series with a sensational performance of 4/10 in the fourth match. His exploits helped the hosts to emerge victorious with a margin of 3-2 against the visitors.

Sandeep Lamichhane has already impressed one and all with his trickery in his short career so far. He continued this impressive run in the month of September, emerging as the standout bowler in the ICC Cricket World Cup League 2. Playing six ODIs, he picked up a staggering 18 wickets at an average of 7.38. His performance against Papua New Guinea, where he ended up with figures of 6/11, grabbed the attention of one and all.

His exploits helped him make significant gains in the MRF Tyres ICC Men’s ODI Player Rankings.

The third and the final nominee, Jaskaran Malhotra of the USA, also had a month to remember. He became only the fourth player to hit six sixes in an over in an international fixture.

This feat came against PNG in a CWCL2 fixture in a scintillating knock of 173*. Overall, in six ODIs he scored 261 runs at an average of 87, at a strike-rate of 104.40.
 
Nepal leg-spinner Sandeep Lamichhane and England skipper Heather Knight have been voted winners of the ICC Player of the Month for September.

Lamichhane beat some strong competition from Bangladesh left-arm orthodox Nasum Ahmed and USA's hard-hitting batter Jaskaran Malhotra — who themselves delivered some scintillating performances in the month of September.

Lamichhane had a stellar month, coming up with some staggering performances during the ICC Cricket World Cup League 2. He played six ODIs, scalping 18 wickets at an average of 7.38 and an economy of 3.17 and was the stand-out bowler during the tournament.

Two of his notable performances came against Papua New Guinea with match figures of 4/35 and 6/11. His other memorable showing was against Oman, where he registered figures of 4/18.

England captain Heather Knight was voted the Women's Player of the Month, beating some stiff competition from her teammate Charlie Dean and South Africa's Lizelle Lee.

Knight was pivotal in England's ODI series victory against New Zealand at home, making some telling contributions. She scored 214 runs at an average of 42.80 and was also tidy with the ball, scalping three wickets at an economy of 4.66.

Her two classy showings with the bat came in the first and the fourth ODIs. She played an innings of 89 in the first match while notching up a magnificent century in the fourth contest, with a knock of 101. As the captain, her tactical decisions were also on point, as England won the five-match series 4-1.
 
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OMB said:
Nepal leg-spinner Sandeep Lamichhane and England skipper Heather Knight have been voted winners of the ICC Player of the Month for September.

Lamichhane beat some strong competition from Bangladesh left-arm orthodox Nasum Ahmed and USA's hard-hitting batter Jaskaran Malhotra — who themselves delivered some scintillating performances in the month of September.

Lamichhane had a stellar month, coming up with some staggering performances during the ICC Cricket World Cup League 2. He played six ODIs, scalping 18 wickets at an average of 7.38 and an economy of 3.17 and was the stand-out bowler during the tournament.

Two of his notable performances came against Papua New Guinea with match figures of 4/35 and 6/11. His other memorable showing was against Oman, where he registered figures of 4/18.

England captain Heather Knight was voted the Women's Player of the Month, beating some stiff competition from her teammate Charlie Dean and South Africa's Lizelle Lee.

Knight was pivotal in England's ODI series victory against New Zealand at home, making some telling contributions. She scored 214 runs at an average of 42.80 and was also tidy with the ball, scalping three wickets at an economy of 4.66.

Her two classy showings with the bat came in the first and the fourth ODIs. She played an innings of 89 in the first match while notching up a magnificent century in the fourth contest, with a knock of 101. As the captain, her tactical decisions were also on point, as England won the five-match series 4-1.
Click to expand...

Well done to winners ��
 
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The International Cricket Council (ICC) today announced the October nominees for the ICC Player of the Month awards, instituted in January this year to recognise the best international performances across formats for male and female cricketers.

The nominees for October in the men’s category are Bangladeshi all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan, Pakistan’s power hitter and finisher Asif Ali and Namibia’s prolific batter David Weise. Whilst in the women’s category Ireland’s all-rounder Laura Delany and right-handed batter Gaby Lewis make the list along with Zimbabwe’s captain and all-rounder Mary-Anne Musonda.

An independent ICC Voting Academy* and fans around the world can now vote to decide the winners, which will be announced next week. Fans registered on icc-cricket.com/awards are invited to cast their votes for their favourite ICC player of the month for October in both categories.

ICC Men’s Player of the Month for October:

Shakib Al Hasan (Bangladesh)
Shakib Al Hasan played six T20Is last month as part of the ongoing ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021 in UAE and Oman. He scored a total of 131 runs with a strike rate of 109.16 and took a total of 11 wickets with an economy rate of 5.59. Shakib had two spectacular all-round matches at the tournament last month, scoring 42 and taking three wickets against Oman before striking 46 and taking four wickets against Papua New Guinea. This is Al Hasan’s second nomination in the year.

Asif Ali (Pakistan)
Pakistan’s prolific middle-order batter Asif Ali played three T20Is last month also in the ongoing ICC Men’s T20 World 2021 where he scored a total of 52 runs with a strike rate of 273.68. His breakthrough performance was when he scored 27 out of just 12 balls to help defeat New Zealand. He went on to also hit four sixes in the next game against Afghanistan in the nineteenth over and sealed a victory against them.

David Wiese (Namibia)
Namibian veteran all-rounder David Weise has had a spectacular ICC Men’s T20 World Cup so far. He played eight T20Is where he scored a total of 162 runs with a strike rate of 132.78 and took seven wickets with an economy rate of 7.23. David’s match winning performance helped Namibia qualify for the Super 12s stage of the tournament where he scored a 66 not-out against the Netherlands and 28 not-out against Ireland, while also contributing with the ball.


ICC Women’s Player of the Month for October:

Laura Delany (Ireland)
Ireland’s all-rounder Delany played four ODIs against Zimbabwe last month and scored a total of 189 runs with a strike rate of 108.62. Additionally, she went on to take four wickets with an economy rate of 3.85. Delany went on to score 86, 35 and 68 in her three innings in the ODI series win over Zimbabwe.

Gaby Lewis (Ireland)
Gaby also played four ODIs against Zimbabwe and scored a total of 263 runs with a strike rate of 77.35. Lewis was the leading run-scorer in Ireland’s ODI series win against Zimbabwe, scoring 65, 96 not out and 78 in the last three matches as Ireland recovered from 1-0 down to win the series 3-1 with Zimbabwe.

Mary-Anne Musonda (Zimbabwe)
Musonda captained Zimbabwe in four ODIs against Ireland and scored a total of 169 runs with a strike rate of 90.86. On a day that proved historic for Zimbabwe as they played their first ODI since being granted the status, Mary-Anne Musonda's unbeaten century had powered them to a four-wicket win against Ireland.
 
ASIF ALI AND LAURA DELANY VOTED ICC PLAYERS OF THE MONTH FOR OCTOBER

The International Cricket Council (ICC) today announced the winners of the ICC Player of the Month Awards for October which recognise and celebrate the best performances from both male and female cricketers across all forms of international cricket throughout the year.

Pakistan’s Asif Ali and Ireland’s Laura Delany have been voted the ICC Players of the Month for October. Ali beat Bangladesh's Shakib Al Hasan and Namibia's David Wiese to the men's award, and Delany beat teammate Gaby Lewis and Zimbabwe's Mary-Anne Musonda to the women's prize.

Ali scored 52 runs without defeat across three matches for Pakistan in October at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, scoring at a strike rate of 273.68.

He first grabbed headlines at the tournament by blasting 27 not out from 12 balls to help Pakistan defeat New Zealand, but it was what he did in the next game that made him a household name. With Pakistan needing 24 runs off the final two overs against Afghanistan, Ali hit four sixes in the 19th.

Commenting on Ali’s performance ICC Voting Academy member Irfan Pathan said: “Helping your team to win, especially from the jaws of defeat is what makes Asif Ali special. And he did that not just once but twice,". Although he scored considerably less than other two nominated players, the contribution he made and the pressure situations from where he snatched the victories made all the difference.”

Ireland captain Delany shone in their 3-1 ODI series win over Zimbabwe. The all-rounder flourished with bat and ball, scoring 189 runs at 63, and taking four wickets at 27.

Commenting on Delany’s performance ICC Voting Academy member Lisa Sthalekar said: “Laura has been playing International cricket for over a decade and has the difficult task of captaining her country, which carries a great weight of expectation. I have been following her career, ever since I played alongside her in the Gordon Women’s Club in Sydney and watched her development. This recent series was a breakout series for her as she was able to register her highest ODI score and is a worthy recipient of the ICC Women’s Player of the Month for October.”
 
Congrats to Asif Ali but I was expecting power hitter Pandya to win this one. Better luck next time. :inti
 
Excellent performance by Asif Ali, never would have expected this, but Allah Jisay chaye izzat de. Asif along with Haris were the two players severely criticized by the fans but they have proved that hard work and determination can do wonders for you. Similarly credit must be given to the ones who have stick to them no matter how they have performed and this way special credit must be given to Misbah.
 
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I'd have voted Babar as player of October but Asif is great choice too. I guess next month will be man of aura Pandya.
 
Still think this player of the month stuff is a stupid idea for international cricket
 
ICC Men’s Player of the Month Nominees for November:

Abid Ali (Pakistan)

Pakistan opener Abid Ali was named Player of the Match after scores of 133 and 91 in the first match of their ICC World Test Championship (WTC) series against Bangladesh in Chittagong. He played a pivotal role in laying the platform for an eight-wicket victory, thanks to two century opening stands in both innings with partner Abdullah Shafique.


Tim Southee (NZ)

New Zealand fast bowler Tim Southee took eight wickets in the drawn opening Test of the WTC series against India in Kanpur, soon after excelling in the shortest format. He had seized seven wickets during his November matches at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, helping guide his team to the final spectacle in Dubai. In between these two milestones, he took three more T20I wickets against India in Ranchi.


David Warner (Australia)

Warner, who was Player of the Tournament at the T20 World Cup, had standout performances of 49 in the semifinal against Pakistan and 53 in the final against New Zealand. In four T20Is during the period, he aggregated 209 runs at an average of 69.66 and a strike rate of 151.44, proving to be a crucial figure as his team secured their first ICC Men’s T20 World Cup trophy.
ICC Women’s Player of the Month Nominees for November:

Nahida Akter (Bangladesh)

Nahida grabbed 13 wickets in four ODIs during the period at an economy rate of 2.22. 11 of those wickets came as Bangladesh claimed a 3-0 series victory in Zimbabwe, including figures of five for 21 in the third match in Bulawayo. The spinner’s remaining two wickets came in a memorable victory over Pakistan in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2021 in Harare.


Anam Amin (Pakistan)

Anam accounted for 13 ODI scalps in November at an economy rate of 3.00. She was the leading wicket-taker in the ODI series against the West Indies with nine wickets and followed that up with four wickets in two matches during the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2021, which included a haul of three for nine against Zimbabwe.


Hayley Matthews (West Indies)

All-rounder Hayley Matthews, who was shortlisted alongside her captain Stafanie Taylor in July, wins her second nomination after some consistent performances in four ODIs in which she scored 141 runs and grabbed nine wickets at an average of 13.11. She was a star in the series win over Pakistan, hitting 57 and taking three for 31 in the first match before a four wicket haul for 26 runs in the second.
 
WARNER AND MATTHEWS NAMED ICC PLAYERS OF THE MONTH


Australia opener David Warner and West Indies all-rounder Hayley Matthews have been adjudged the ICC Players of the Month for November after their superb performances during the voting period.

Warner’s crucial efforts in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021 helped him pip Pakistan opener Abid Ali and New Zealand seam bowler Tim Southee to grab the men’s award while Matthews’s all-round show in ODIs won her the women’s award ahead of left-arm spinners Anam Amin of Pakistan and Nahida Akter of Bangladesh.

Warner won the award on his maiden nomination following his Player of the Tournament show at the T20 World Cup, in which he smashed 53 in the final against New Zealand after 49 in the semifinal against Pakistan. He was also named Player of the Match in an earlier Super 12s match against the West Indies for a blistering 89 not out off 56 balls. Warner aggregated 209 runs at an average of 69.66 and a strike rate of 151.44 in four T20Is during the period.

Jury member Russel Arnold said about Warner: “David was back to his scintillating best during the T20 World Cup and his aggression at the top of the order was outstanding. His 209 runs at a strike rate of 151 in four innings simply tells the story. There was no recovering from the early onslaught by Warner and his stroke play was pleasing to the eye.”

Matthews won the award on her second nomination. She was earlier nominated in July along with captain Stafanie Taylor, who was the winner then. Matthews scored 141 runs and grabbed nine wickets at an average of 13.11 during the period. She starred in a series win over Pakistan, scoring 57 runs and taking three for 31 in the first match before a four for 26 runs in the second.

Jury member Irfan Pathan said about Matthews: “Hayley was the star, performing with both bat and ball. Her all-round performance was one of the reasons the West Indies won against Pakistan, and she deserves to be the women’s Player of the Month.”

The selection process for the monthly awards, which were instituted in January, combines votes cast by former players, prominent journalists and global cricket fans.
 
The nominees for ICC Player of the Month nominees for December 2021 have been announced, with three men distinguishing themselves with some brilliant performances in the month.

Mayank Agarwal - India

With regular openers Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill and KL Rahul all missing games at some point last month, Mayank Agarwal has grabbed the opportunity with both hands in the series against New Zealand and South Africa. In the two matches, he scored 276 runs at an average of 69.00, which included two fifties and a century.

With India having drawn the first Test against Kiwis in Kanpur, the hosts were looking to bounce back with a win. India routed New Zealand in Mumbai and Agarwal was the architect of the win a Player of the Match-winning performance of 150 and 62 in the two innings.

He also played a crucial role in India breaking the Centurion hoodoo for the very first time. Batting first in overcast conditions, KL Rahul and Agarwal set the platform with a brilliant opening partnership of 117. During the stand, he was tested by the fiery pace Proteas pace attack but came out shining with a brilliant 60.

India posted 327 in the first innings, which eventually proved to be the difference between the two sides.


Ajaz Patel - New Zealand

Ajaz Patel's name was immortalised in cricketing history in December, when he picked up 10 wickets in an innings against India, becoming the third player in Tests to achieve the feat after Jim Laker and Anil Kumble.

The left-arm spinner played just one Test in the month, where he picked up 14 wickets at an average of 16.07. He picked up all 10 wickets in the first innings but was disappointed by the Kiwi batters who were bundled out for 62.

In the second innings, he picked up four wickets, including that of openers Mayank Agarwal and Cheteshwar Pujara. He finished with figures of 14/225, the best bowling figures in a Test match in 2021.


Mitchell Starc - Australia

Mitchell Starc has played a vital role, both with the bat and ball in hand, in Australia retaining the Ashes with two games to spare. In the three games last month, he picked up 14 wickets at an average of 19.64 and was more than handy with the bat, scoring 117 runs in the three matches at an average of 58.50.

He set the tone for the whole series by dismissing Rory Burns with the first ball of the first Test. While batting, he kept Travis Head company with an innings of 35 and added 85 crucial runs for the eighth wicket.

Starc was magnificent with the bat and ball in the second Test, picking up six wickets and scoring 58 runs in Adelaide. This included a brilliant four-wicket haul in the first innings that helped reduce England to 236, giving Australia a massive lead of 237 runs.

In the Boxing Day Test, Starc picked two crucial wickets in the first innings, including that of England's captain Joe Root. His innings of 24* helped Australia gain an 82-run lead, which proved to be enough as England were bundled out for 68. He picked up three wickets in the second innings as Australia won by an innings to retain the urn.

https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/2440536
 
Ajaz Patel for sure.
Agarwal was brilliant but Patel's performance is one the most rare occurrence in world cricket.
 
New Zealand's Ajaz Patel has been voted as ICC's Player of the Month for December following his incredible 10-wicket haul against India at the Wankhede stadium in Mumbai.

Ajaz was nominated for the award alongside Mayank Agarwal and Mitchell Starc but beat them to it on the back of his incredibly rare feat.

Ajaz picked up 14 wickets in the Mumbai Test match in early December against India, including all 10 in the first innings, thereby becoming just the third player in Test history, after Jim Laker and Anil Kumble, to achieve the remarkable milestone.

The Mumbai-born Ajaz made a fairy tale comeback to his birth city in his first-ever tour of India with the Test team.

Ajaz ended the first day of the Test with all four Indian wickets to fall under his name and made an impact on the first session the following day with wickets off back-to-back deliveries. While he was denied a hat-trick, Ajaz went on to take all ten wickets in the innings, inducing applause from even the opposition camp.

"Personally I think one of the greatest cricketing days in my life. And it will probably always be," Ajaz said at the conclusion of the Test match.

JP Duminy, a Member of ICC Voting Academy for December, hailed the achievement. “What a historic achievement! Taking 10 wickets in an innings is a feat that needs to be celebrated. There’s no doubt that Ajaz performance is a milestone that will be remembered for years to come.”

https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/2443586
 
The nominees for ICC Players of the Month for men’s and women’s international cricket have been announced today. Featuring in the men’s category are under-19 future star Dewald Brevis from South Africa, Ebadot Hossain from Bangladesh, and Keegan Petersen from South Africa. The women’s category, features captain of the Sri Lankan T20I squad, Chamari Athapaththu, West Indies all-rounder Deandra Dottin, and captain of the England squad Heather Knight.

An independent ICC Voting Academy* and fans around the world can now vote to decide the winners, which will be announced next week. Fans registered on icc-cricket.com/awards are invited to cast their votes for their favourite ICC Players of the Month for January.

ICC Men’s Player of the Month for January:

Dewald Brevis - South Africa

Nicknamed Baby AB, South Africa’s Dewald Brewis left a mark in the recently concluded ICC Men’s U19 Cricket World Cup. In the course of the tournament, Brewis made a magnificent 65 against India, followed by a century against Uganda, a 96 against Ireland, a 97 against England and a sublime 138 against Bangladesh to round his tournament. With a total of 506 runs in the tournament, he finished as the leading run-scorer of the tournament at an average of 84.33 and now holds the record for the most runs in a single edition of the ICC Men’s U19 Cricket World Cup. He was also adjudged as the Player of the Tournament.

Ebadot Hossain – Bangladesh

Eleven Tests, 18 wickets and a career-best of 6 for 46, made Ebadot Hossain the newest sensation of Bangladesh cricket.

The 27-year old’s maiden five-wicket haul helped Bangladesh inflict a huge historic eight wicket win over the ICC World Test champions New Zealand in the first Test at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui last month. Ebadot Hossain came into the Test match with 11 wickets in 10 games after making his international debut against the Kiwis in 2019. In the first innings, Hossain picked just one wicket for 75 runs but when the Kiwis batted for a second time, Ebadot Hossain delivered his career best performance, as the right-arm pacer dismissed Will Young, Henry Nicholls and Tom Blundell within a space of 11 balls to put Bangladesh on top at stumps on Day 4.

Keegan Petersen – South Africa

Keegan Petersen steered South Africa to a stunning Test series win over India last month. Petersen scored a superb 82 as South Africa completed a seven-wicket victory in the third Test and a 2-1 series win over India on a spiteful Newlands pitch having chased down their challenging target of 212. Petersen, who was the leading scorer in the series with 276 runs, was the anchor for the home side on a difficult wicket for batting and was also adjudged the Player of the Series.

ICC Women’s Player of the Month for January:

Chamari Athapaththu – Sri Lanka

In the ICC Commonwealth Games Qualifiers held in Malaysia last month, captain Chamari Athapaththu struck 57 off just 29 balls to lead Sri Lanka to a nine-wicket win on day three of the tournament earning her also the title of the Player of the Match. Athapaththu was also the leading run-scorer in the ICC Commonwealth Games Qualifier in Malaysia as Sri Lanka won all four of their matches.

Deandra Dottin – West Indies

Deandra Dottin smashed her career best ODI score of 150 from just 158 balls – a superb innings with 18 fours and four sixes. In doing so, she set West Indies women up in the opening ODI against South Africa in Johannesburg. Her 186-run third wicket stand with Hayley Mathews took the team past 200. Mathews fell after her half-century, but Dottin carried on pushing West Indies to 234 for 3 in the 46th over before rain intervened. The second ODI between West Indies Women and South Africa ended in a pulsating tie and a Super Over was played to decide the winner.

Opener Deandra Dottin scored a quickfire 37 off 31 balls at the top of the order, whilst Chedean Nation helped herself to 35. And a super over was played to break the tie and decide the winner. Off the first delivery of the Super Over, Dottin scored a couple. The second delivery was bowled on off stump, and Dottin played the scoop as the ball went past short fine leg for four. The right-hander smashed the third delivery over the bowler’s head and the ball sped away to the boundary. Then came a massive six over Long On. The bowler, Shabnam Ismail bowled a slower delivery, but Dottin had spotted it early and sent the ball soaring into the stands earning her instant praise from the global cricket community.

Heather Knight – England

Last month Knight played a single Test against Australia as part of the Women’s Ashes Tour. An unbeaten hundred from Heather Knight, her second test century had helped England stay afloat on day two of the only Women's Ashes Test at the Manuka Oval in Canberra. Having lost openers Lauren Winfield-Hill and Tammy Beaumont early, England were 23/2 when Heather Knight and Nat Sciver looked to put on some resistance and bring some stability to the innings.

In between several dismissals, Knight continued to score runs, finding boundaries including a slog sweep for six. At tea, England were still at risk, needing 67 more runs to avoid a follow-on. While Charlotte Dean resisted for a bit, putting on a 30-run stand with Knight, Australia struck twice in six overs before Knight and Ecclestone joined hands and revived the innings a bit with a half-century stand. By the time Anya Shrubsole was dismissed, Knight had gone into the nineties. With Ecclestone appearing more at ease than the rest of the batters, Knight grew in confidence and attained her second Test century.
 
HEATHER KNIGHT AND KEEGAN PETERSEN VOTED ICC PLAYERS OF THE MONTH FOR JANUARY

The International Cricket Council (ICC) today announced Heather Knight and Keegan Peterson as the winners of the ICC Players of the Month Award for January 2022.

England skipper Heather Knight came up with a brilliant batting performance in the only Test of the multi-format Women’s Ashes against Australia. Knight amassed 216 runs during the Test match in Canberra, including a magnificent knock of an unbeaten 168 during the first innings, it was the second-highest score by a captain in the history of Women’s Tests. Her knock put England in a commanding position in the match, but Australia put up a fight, with match ending in a thrilling draw.

Commenting on Knight’s performance, ICC Voting Academy member Irfan Pathan said: “168 is the highest test score by any female English batter against Australia in Australia. It is also the second highest score in women's tests in Australia. Her innings is made even more remarkable given its importance in securing the draw for England in the only test.”

In the men’s category, South African batter Keegan Petersen was a sensation during the home Test series against India. He helped the Proteas register a series win at home against the Indian side, his runs helping lay the foundation as South Africa bounced back from 0-1 down to claim the series 2-1.
Petersen played gritty knocks from No.3, amassing 244 runs during the series at an average of 61, making him also the Player of the Series.

Commenting on Petersen’s performance, ICC Voting Academy member JP Duminy said: “With the hype of the series and the high expectation, the composure Petersen showed while batting in a pivotal No. 3 position was simply staggering.”
 
ICC PLAYER OF THE MONTH NOMINATIONS FOR FEBRUARY ANNOUNCED

The nominees for ICC Players of the Month of February for men’s and women’s international cricket have been announced today. February saw some strong men and women candidates staking their claim with some brilliant performances. The ICC Player of the Month nominations in the men’s category features UAE batter, Vriitya Aravind, India batter Shreyas Iyer and Nepal’s Dipendra Sing Airee. In the women’s category, New Zealand all-rounder Amelia Kerr, India veteran star Mithali Raj and all-rounder Deepti Sharma are nominated.

An independent ICC Voting Academy* and fans around the world can now vote to decide the winners, which will be announced next week. Fans registered on icc-cricket.com/awards are invited to cast their votes for their favourite ICC Players of the Month for February.

ICC Men’s Player of the Month for February:

Vriitya Aravind – UAE

Vriitya Aravind was the young star in UAE's campaign at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup Qualifier A held in Oman last month. The youngest member of the squad, nineteen-year-old Aravind played a crucial role in UAE’s qualification to the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2022 which will take place later this year. In the five matches he played, he smashed 267 runs at an average of 89.00 and a strike rate of 154.33. He set the tone with a 67-ball 97* in the opening game against Oman and carried his form through the tournament with scores of 40, 84*, 46 in the next three games. Though he didn't finish with a flourish, he did enough to win the Player of the Tournament.

Shreyas Iyer - India

Shreyas Iyer was in unstoppable form in the month of February and played a vital role in India's white-ball domination. He started the month with a Player of the Match-winning 80 against West Indies in the final ODI and a 16-ball 25 in the last T20I. With India opting to rest players and injury to Suryakumar Yadav, Iyer was promoted to No.3 in the T20I series against Sri Lanka. He scored three unbeaten fifties in three games and finished with 204 runs at a blistering strike rate of 174.35 and was awarded the Player of the Series for his exploits.

Dipendra Singh Airee – Nepal

Dipendra Singh Airee was a vital cog in Nepal's third-place finish in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup Qualifier A in Oman. He was splendid both with the bat and the ball, finishing with 159 runs and six wickets in the tournament. Prior to the start of the tournament, he was brilliant in the quadrangular series against Oman, UAE, and Ireland where he accumulated 142 runs in three games and grabbed a four-for in the final game against Ireland.

ICC Women’s Player of the Month for February:

Amelia Kerr - New Zealand

Amelia Kerr has been in the form of her life lately and has sensational with the bat and ball.

In the ODI series against India ahead of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup, she finished as the highest-run getter overall and the joint-highest wicket-taker for her team alongside her sister Jess Kerr. In the five ODIs, she scored 353 runs at an average of 117.66 and strike rate of 97.51, which included three fifties and a hundred. With the ball, she picked up 7 wickets at an economy of 5.78. She was also the Player of the Match in two of the five ODIs and took home the Player of the Series award as well.

Mithali Raj – India

Mithali Raj was one of the few shining lights for India in the ODI series against New Zealand. She was the highest run-scorer for India and the second-highest overall with 232 runs, including three fifties, averaging 77.33 with a strike rate of 82.56. In the final ODI, she played the role of the finisher to perfection, remaining unbeaten on 54 as India chased down 252 with four overs to spare. With the win, India ensured that they finished the series with a win in their kitty.

Deepti Sharma – India

Deepti Sharma was brilliant with both with the bat and ball in the series against New Zealand. She took the most wickets (10) in the ODI series and was handy with the bat as well, aggregating 116 runs in five matches. She grabbed a four-for in the second ODI and followed it up with a 69* in the next match.

The ICC Player of the Month Voting Process:

The three nominees for either category is shortlisted based on performances from the first to the last day of each calendar month. The shortlist is then voted on by the independent ICC Voting Academy* and fans around the world. The ICC Voting Academy comprises prominent members of the cricket fraternity including well-known journalists, former players, broadcasters, and members of the ICC Hall of Fame. The Voting Academy submit their votes by email and hold a 90 per cent share of the vote. Fans registered with the ICC vote via the ICC website, accounting for the remaining 10 per cent. Winners are announced every second Monday of the month on the ICC’s digital channels.

ICC Voting Academy for ICC Player of the Month February 2022*:

Afghanistan: Hameed Qayoomi and Javed Hamim; Australia: Melinda Farrell and Lisa Sthalekar; Bangladesh: Tarek Mahmoud and Mohammad Isam’ England: Elizabeth Ammon and Claire Taylor; Ireland: Ian Callender and Isobel Joyce; India: Rica Roy and Irfan Pathan New Zealand: Mark Geenty and John Wright; Pakistan: Faizan Lakhani and Ramiz Raja; South Africa: Firdose Moonda and Makhaya Ntini; Sri Lanka: Neville Victor Anthony and Russel Arnold; West Indies: Desmond Haynes and Merissa Aguilleira; Zimbabwe: Tristan Holme and Mpumelelo Mbangwa; Others: Paul Radley and Dirk Nannes.
 
Attacking India batter Shreyas Iyer and star New Zealand all-rounder Amelia Kerr have been voted ICC Players of the Month for February 2022.

Iyer enjoyed a remarkable month for his country, with the 27-year-old shining during white-ball series against West Indies and Sri Lanka to edge out UAE batter Vriitya Aravind and Nepal all-rounder Dipendra Singh Airee for the monthly award.

Iyer contributed a match-winning 80 against West Indies in the final ODI, before following it up with a 16-ball 25 in the final T20I of the subsequent series.

Promoted in the order to bat at number three, Iyer made three unbeaten half-centuries for the series and amassed an outstanding 204 runs from three hits at a strike rate of 174.

His efforts saw him top the run-scorer charts for the series and he was duly rewarded by a massive jump of 27 places to 18th on the latest MRF Tyres ICC Men's T20I Player Rankings.

Former Sri Lanka batter and voting panel member Russel Arnold was full of praise for Iyer.

"Throughout the month Shreya's showed tremendous consistency and control," Arnold said.

"He totally dominated opposition bowlers and proved very hard to bowl at, scoring runs all around the wicket and attacking the bowlers at the right moments.

"What really stood out for me was his composure as he battles for a regular place in the India line-up."

Kerr's exploits during February were just as impressive, with the young all-rounder dominating with bat and ball to claim the monthly gong ahead of India duo Mithali Raj and Deepti Sharma.

Raj and Sharma saw Kerr in action close-up, as it was during the five-match ODI series against India in New Zealand that the 21-year-old shined.

Kerr helped herself to a century and a half-century and scored 353 runs at an average of 117 during that important warm-up series for the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup, but it wasn't just with the bat that she stood out.

She also picked up seven wickets with her underrated leg-spin, finishing joint leading wicket-taker for the series with sister Jess Kerr in what was a dominant individual performance.

"Amelia Kerr is growing into her role as a genuine all-rounder in the New Zealand team," ICC Voting Academy member Isobel Joyce said.

"She’s been a world-class leg spinner for a number of years, but now her batting adds even more value to her spot in the team and makes her one of the best cricketers in the world."

https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/2530239/
 
The ICC Player of the Month nominees have been announced for March 2022 with strong men and women candidates staking their claim with some brilliant performances.

ICC Men's Player of the Month nominees

Babar Azam, Pakistan

The Pakistan skipper impressed with his brilliant knocks during Australia's historic tour of Pakistan.

In the recently concluded Bernaud-Qadir Trophy, Babar finished as the third-highest run-scorer after Usman Khawaja and Abdullah Shafique. In his five outings, he scored 390 runs at an average of 78, including two half-centuries and a century. The highlight of the series was his match-saving 196 in the second innings of the second Test in Karachi.

Babar continued his outstanding form in the ODI series, playing vital knocks in the first two games. In the first ODI, he notched up a score of 57 in Pakistan's 88-run loss before scoring a brilliant 118 to lead Pakistan to a six-wicket win in the second contest.

Kraigg Brathwaite, West Indies

Skipper Kraigg Brathwaite was instrumental in West Indies' recent Test series victory against England at home.

With 341 runs in six innings at an average of 85.25, Brathwaite was the series' leading run-scorer. He smashed two half-centuries in his six innings and a magnificent 160-run knock in the second Test in Barbados.

Braithwaite was named Player of the Series for being the outstanding performer with the bat.

Pat Cummins, Australia

Pat Cummins, Australia's Test skipper was a sensation in Australia's recent Test series victory against Pakistan.

Cummins led his team from the front and was instrumental in their victory, taking a total of 12 wickets to lead the Bernaud-Qadir Trophy wicket-takers list.

Cummins was named Player of the Match for his bowling figures of 5/56 and 3/23 in the final Test, as he helped Australia win the contest in Lahore, as well as the three-match series.


ICC Women's Player of the Month nominees

Sophie Ecclestone, England

Sophie Ecclestone, England's left-arm spinner, produced some brilliant bowling performances in the recently finished ICC Women's Cricket World Cup to become the tournament's leading wicket-taker.

She finished the tournament with 21 wickets in nine matches, including a career-best 6/36 in the semi-final against South Africa.

Her outstanding bowling throughout the tournament helped England reach another World Cup final, where they were defeated by Australia.

Rachael Haynes, Australia

Australia had plenty of heroes in their side who helped them clinch their seventh World Cup title. But Rachael Haynes’ contribution at the top of the order was one of the biggest positives for Australia throughout the tournament.

Haynes scored 497 runs in nine Women's World Cup matches, averaging 62.12, to finish as the tournament's second-highest run-getter.

Her three half-centuries and a brilliant century in their opening match of the tournament against England, helped Australia get solid opening starts throughout, ultimately helping Australia lift the trophy for the seventh time.

Laura Wolvaardt, South Africa

South African opener Laura Wolvaardt batted with consistency in the recently concluded ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup. She led South Africa’s batting order and made some fine contributions at the top.

With five half-centuries in 8 matches, Wolvaardt scored 433 runs at an average of 54.12, becoming the fourth-highest run-getter of the tournament. Her best score of 79-ball 80 came in South Africa's final group stage encounter against India.

https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/2562792
 
Having monthly awards is like having a monthly world cup. It has lost all its significance.

I guess to make it a bit more interesting the ICC could introduce an orange cap and a orange helmet which is by law to be worn for a few weeks by the player of the month.
 
Pakistan captain Babar Azam and Australia opener Rachael Haynes have been voted the ICC Players of the Month for March 2022.

Azam was at his brilliant best throughout March, with his superb 196 in the second Test against Australia in Karachi a clear standout as he beat West Indies captain Kraigg Brathwaite and Australia skipper Pat Cummins for the coveted monthly award and becomes the first player to win the ICC Men’s Player of the Month award on two occasions, having won the title in April 2021.

In the recently concluded Benaud-Qadir Trophy, Azam finished as the third-highest run-scorer after Usman Khawaja and Abdullah Shafique. In his five outings, he scored 390 runs at an average of 78, including two half-centuries and a century. The highlight of the series was his match-saving 196 in the second innings of the second Test in Karachi.

Babar Azam was voted the ICC Men's Player of the Month for March 2022Babar Azam was voted the ICC Men's Player of the Month for March 2022
Azam continued his outstanding form in the ODI series, playing vital knocks in the first two games. In the first ODI, he notched up a score of 57 in Pakistan's 88-run loss before scoring a brilliant 118 to lead Pakistan to a six-wicket win in the second contest.

"Babar Azam wins this award not only because of his significant glut of runs scored during the Pakistan v Australia tour, he was able to transition success with the bat across formats, from the Test Series into ODIs," said former West Indies star and member of the voting panel Daren Ganga.

"Significantly, him being able to fulfil the burden of expectation as a captain and batsman for Pakistan being host to an Australian team visiting after 24 years is a monumental achievement."

Rachael Haynes was voted the ICC Women's Player of the Month for March 2022Rachael Haynes was voted the ICC Women's Player of the Month for March 2022
Haynes’ month was just as impressive as she claimed the women’s award ahead of England spinner Sophie Ecclestone and South Africa opener Laura Wolvaardt.

Haynes' contribution at the top of the order was one of the biggest positives for Australia throughout the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2022 in New Zealand, which they won for a seventh time early in April.

Across eight ODI matches in March, Haynes scored a total of 429 runs at an average of 61.28 with the highlight being a classy 130 against England in Australia’s opening match of the tournament. She was the top-scorer for the side in March, and was only surpassed by Alyssa Healy by the end of the tournament.

Former Ireland cricketer and member of the voting panel Clare Shillington was full of praise for Haynes' contributions, saying, "Rachael Haynes was the backbone of nearly every World Cup game for Australia, consistently set platforms for them to go on and set huge totals, or chase down any scores put up to them. She was paramount in them reaching the final."

"Rachael Haynes has been very consistent for Australia," said Sana Mir, former Pakistan captain and member of the voting panel.

"She set the tone for Australia with a big hundred in their first game of the tournament. Her contributions throughout the World Cup set the other batters to build on. Haynes is a quality batter and a leader in women’s game."

https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/2570803
 
Babar, who beat beat West Indies captain Kraigg Brathwaite and Australia skipper Pat Cummins for the coveted award, became the first male player ever to win two Player of the Months award having earned the same back in April 2021.
 
ICC Player of the Month awards

The ICC Player of the Month nominees have been announced for April 2022 with strong men and women candidates getting nominated for their impressive performances.

The ICC Women’s Player of the Month shortlist sees two stars of the showpiece finale of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2022 in New Zealand nominated for the ICC Women’s Player of the Month – Alyssa Healy (Australia) and Nat Sciver (England). They are in the running to scoop the award alongside Janet Mbabazi (Uganda), who shone following dominant performances in the Capricorn Women’s Tri-series in Namibia.

South African spin duo Simon Harmer and Keshav Maharaj are nominated for the ICC Men’s Player of the Month after tormenting Bangladesh batters throughout their 2-0 victory in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) series. Jatinder Singh of Oman completes the lineup for the men’s award thanks to his outstanding contributions with the bat in the recently concluded ICC Cricket World Cup League 2 competition in the UAE.

The ICC Player of the Month nominees for April were announced on Tuesday, based on performances across formats and including matches from the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup held in New Zealand, amongst others.

An independent ICC Voting Academy* and fans around the world can now vote to decide the winners, which will be announced next week. Fans registered on icc-cricket.com/awards are invited to cast their votes until Saturday.

ICC Women's Player of the Month – April 2022

ICC Women’s Player of the Month Nominees for April

Alyssa Healy (Australia)
Alyssa Healy celebrates her second nomination for the ICC Women’s Player of the Month Award thanks to her masterful innings of 170 against England in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Final. This phenomenal display of power-hitting and control helped her set a new record for the highest score ever recorded at a World Cup Final, and was the driving force behind Australia claiming their seventh ODI crown. Victory here would also mean she becomes the second player to win the ICC Women’s Player of the Month award on two occasions, after being crowned back in April 2021.

Janet Mbabazi (Uganda)
Janet Mbabazi enjoyed a highly successful month in which she shone both with bat and ball. Representing her country in six T20Is as part of the Capricorn Women’s Tri-series, she took 11 wickets at an astonishing average of 7.81, while also amassing 118 runs on her way to becoming her side’s leading run-scorer, and the tournament’s leading wicket-taker. Her nomination means she is the first Ugandan to be shortlisted for the ICC Player of the Month.

Nat Sciver (England)
In response to Healy’s heroics in the first innings of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup final 2022, Nat Sciver was instrumental in bringing England back into contention with a blistering 148* in Christchurch. Despite seeing her teammates fall at regular intervals, Sciver hit a truly memorable inning as her side fell short in the finale, including 15 fours and one maximum at a strike rate of 122.31. This is her second nomination for the ICC Women’s Player of the Month, her first being back in February 2021.

ICC Men’s Player of the Month Nominees for April

Simon Harmer (South Africa)
The South African spinner was an integral part of the potent bowling attack that dominated Bangladesh in both of the ICC World Test Championship series matches taking place in Durban and Gqeberha. Harmer took 13 wickets at an average of 15.15, driving his side’s charge to victory by taking three or more wickets in each of the tourists’ four innings in the series. Harmer, alongside Maharaj, caused a constant threat to Bangladesh, who eventually succumbed by 220 and 332 runs.

Keshav Maharaj (South Africa)
So often the spearhead of the South African spin attack, Maharaj celebrates his nomination on the shortlist for the ICC Men’s Player of the Month Award after taking 16 wickets in the WTC series win over Bangladesh at an average of 12.12. Attacking in tandem with Simon Harmer, Maharaj took seven wickets on two separate occasions, both during the second innings where he ended with figures of 7 for 32 and 7 for 40. In addition to his bowling masterclass, he scored a useful 84 in the first innings at Gqeberha to help his side set an imposing total on their way to a 332-run victory.

Jatinder Singh (Oman)
Singh was instrumental at the crease for Oman in the highly competitive ICC Cricket World Cup League 2 tournament in the UAE in April. Amassing 259 runs in his four ODIs at an average of 86.33, his two standout performances came in commanding victories over PNG (118* and 79) while also scoring a half-century in a narrow defeat against Scotland.
 
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ALYSSA HEALY AND KESHAV MAHARAJ CLAIM ICC PLAYER OF THE MONTH AWARDS FOR APRIL

The International Cricket Council (ICC) today announced that Australia’s star of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Final Alyssa Healy, and South Africa’s spin wizard Keshav Maharaj have been voted the ICC Women’s and Men’s Players of the Month for April 2022.

Healy was selected the standout female player in April following her match-winning innings of 170 in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Final in Christchurch, setting a record for the highest score ever made in any World Cup Final in the process. Tormenting England’s bowlers from the outset and scoring at a strike rate of 123.18, her blistering showcase at the crease steered Australia to a formidable total of 356 for 5, and with England falling short in reply, helped her side claim their seventh ODI crown.

In being selected the ICC Player of the Month for April, Healy becomes the second female to win the accolade on two separate occasions after securing her first award back in April 2021. Healy was selected ahead of fellow nominees Janet Mbabazi (Uganda) and Nat Sciver (England).

On being named the ICC Women’s Player of the Month, Healy responded “I am very humbled to win this month’s award ahead of two outstanding players. It was great to see Janet Mbabazi’s name in the mix after a stellar tri-series for Uganda. I’m looking forward to seeing her name in contention for more ICC Awards over the years to come. Thanks to all the fans for voting and supporting the women’s game. It’s been a great start to 2022 for our sport and I’m looking forward to seeing what the rest of the year holds.”

JP Duminy, the former South Africa international and ICC Player of the Month voting panel member remarked, “Alyssa’s performance has certainly taken the world by storm and to do it in a Final says a lot about the character of this woman. She is a pioneer in the women's game and has set the bar extremely high.”

South Africa’s Keshav Maharaj is named the ICC Men’s Player of the Month after enjoying a prolific spell with the ball during their recent ICC World Test Championship series victory over Bangladesh on home soil. The spinner proved a constant threat to the tourists, taking 16 wickets at an average of 12.12, celebrating two seven-wicket hauls in the second innings of both Tests. His wickets were significant catalysts for his side’s 2-0 series triumph, winning comfortably on both occasions - by 220 runs in Durban, and 332 runs in Gqeberha.

In securing this month’s award, Maharaj overcomes fellow nominees in compatriot Simon Harmer - with whom Maharaj shared lengthy spells in tandem on their way to victory - and Jatinder Singh (Oman).

Acknowledging his award, Maharaj responded “I’m honoured and privileged to receive the ICC Player of the Month award for April and I want to thank my teammates for helping me win this award. I’m really happy with how the team has performed this past season and I hope we can build on this to reach greater heights as a unit.”

Speaking about Maharaj’s excellent performances in April, member of the voting panel and ICC Hall of Famer Lisa Sthalekar said, “Keshav was key to South Africa’s success in the series. The amount of wickets he claimed at crucial times was exceptional and his valuable runs were among the main reasons they defeated Bangladesh.”
 
Three top stars from Asia have been shortlisted for the ICC Men's Player of the Month for May 2022.


Angelo Mathews, Sri Lanka

The veteran Angelo Mathews brought all his experience into play during Sri Lanka's series win over Bangladesh away from home. He finished as the highest run-scorer in the series with 344 runs in two Tests that included two centuries.

In the first innings of the first Test, he came agonizingly close to what would have been his second double-century had he not been caught out slogging when he was on 199. Sri Lanka posted 397 on the back of his knock but Bangladesh managed to take a lead. The match eventually ended in a stalemate.

In the second game, he racked up another century and remained unbeaten on 145 in the first innings. Bangladesh had posted 365 in the first innings and Sri Lanka were in a spot of bother at 164/4 but Mathews stitched a 102-run stand with Dhananjaya de Silva and then added 199 runs with Dinesh Chandimal.

The partnerships helped Sri Lanka take a 141-run lead, which Bangladesh found unable to conquer.

His brilliant performances reflected in the last MRF Tyres ICC Men's Player Rankings update where he jumped six spots to No.15 in the Test batting charts.


Mushfiqur Rahim, Bangladesh

It was a memorable series for Mushfqur Rahim despite ending up on the losing end. He finished as the second-highest run-getter with 303 runs and like Mathews, had two centuries to show for his efforts. In the opening Test, he also became the first Bangladesh player to score 5000 Test runs.

His 105 in the first Test helped Bangladesh take a 68-run lead. However, his second ton of the series came in more trying circumstances.

Bangladesh were 16/3 when Mushfiqur walked in to bat and soon the scoreboard read 24/5. It looked like Sri Lanka were going to run through the Tigers but he and Liton Das held the fort together. Both scored a century apiece and put on 272 runs for the sixth wicket as Bangladesh finished with a solid 365.

Unfortunately, Mushfiqur's incredible innings of 175* came in a losing cause. However, he rose eight places in the ICC Test Batters' rankings to No.17.


Asitha Fernando, Sri Lanka

Asitha Fernando finished as the highest wicket-taker in the ICC World Test Championship series between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. He picked up three wickets in the first match in the only innings Sri Lanka bowled. In the second game, though, he returned with 10 wickets in a match that eventually proved to be the difference between the two sides.

Fernando accounted for the wickets of the experienced duo of Tamim Iqbal and Mominul Haque in the early Bangladesh collapse. He picked up two more wickets to help clean up the tail to finish with a four-for.

In the second innings, Fernando was unplayable. He scalped the openers early on to put Bangladesh on the backfoot. Liton and Shakib resisted with a fifty each but he got rid of both the set batters in quick succession.

He completed his maiden five-for with the wicket of Taijul Islam and finished with career-best figures of 6/51 with the final wicket that got Sri Lanka the win. He was duly awarded the Player of the Match for his ten-wicket match haul.

https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/2640190
 
Two Pakistan stars and an up-and-coming 17-year-old have been nominated for ICC Women's Player of the Month for May 2022

Tuba Hassan, Pakistan

Tuba Hassan took to the international stage like fish to water. In her very first outing on the international stage, against Sri Lanka, she took home the Player of the Series award after finishing as her side's highest wicket-taker.

It was a dream debut for Hassan, who took home the Player of the Match in the first T20I. She struck off the second ball of her first over to Anushka Sanjeewani and scalped Anushka Sanjeewani and Kavisha Dilhari thereafter to finish with magical figures of 3/8 on debut.

She picked up a wicket each in the next two games but was economical in his spells, giving away just 13 and 23 runs respectively in full spells of four overs each.

Bismah Maroof, Pakistan

Skipper Bismah Maroof lead from the front in the T20I series and finished as the highest run-getter with 65 runs in three matches.

In all three games, she walked out when her team were in a spot of bother. In the first match, her patient 28 off 32 balls took Pakistan to touching distance of a win. In the remaining two matches, she ensured she batted through till the end to guide her team home.

In the second game, she played the perfect second fiddle to Ayesha Naseem with a 29-ball 22*. In the final match, Maroof took her team home in a crunch encounter with a brace off the final ball. Though she only scored 15* off 15, she won the Player of the Match for her crucial innings.

Trinity Smith, Jersey

Like Tuba Hassan, Trinity Smith of Jersey too made her debut last month and already finds herself on the shortlist for ICC Women's Player of the Month.

The 17-year-old all-rounder made her debut against France in the quadrangular series that also involved Spain and Austria. She didn't get a chance to bat but picked up a wicket on debut.

In the first opportunity she got to bat, she scored 59* off just 43 balls and later picked up 2/18 in four overs with her right-arm medium pace. In Jersey's final game of the series, she smashed yet another fifty (56* of 40 balls) and also picked up a wicket. Jersey finished the series unbeaten with four wins out of four.

Smith played a crucial role in it, with 120 runs at a strike rate of 136.36 with the bat and also picked four wickets in as many games at an economy of 6.58.

https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/2640194
 
Veteran Sri Lanka star has been voted ICC Men's Player of the Month for May 2022.

Angelo Mathews beat off competition from fellow countryman Asitha Fernando and Bangladesh star Mushfiqur Rahim to win the award.

Mathews was impressive in the two-match series against Bangladesh away from home, where he finished as the highest run-getter with 344 runs, which included two centuries. In the first Test in Chattogram, he narrowly missed out on a double ton at 199.

In the second match in Mirpur, he scored a brilliant 145 in the first innings in Sri Lanka's 10-wicket win over the hosts. The win helped the Islanders climb to No.4 in the ICC World Test Championship table with a point percentage of 55.56.

His magnificent returns in the series first helped him climb to No.15 in the ICC Test Batters Rankings and now win the ICC Men's Player of the Month award.

He now also holds the honour of becoming the first Sri Lanka player to win the POTM award since its inception in January 2021.

On being named the Player of the Month, Mathews said: "I am absolutely honoured and delighted to be the ICC Men’s Player of the Month. I would like to congratulate Asitha Fernando and Mushfiqur Rahim who were front runners for this award, on their spectacular performances.

"I am grateful for the opportunity and I wish to thank the almighty, my teammates, support staff, and fans for believing in me and supporting me as always. I would like to dedicate this to the people of Sri Lanka. Let's never stop believing."

JP Duminy, the former South Africa international and ICC Player of the Month voting panel member praised Mathews saying, "The great grit and determination that characterized Angelo’s performances during the month has shown that he still has the hunger and desire to make the difference at the elite level."

https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/2644674
 
PLAYER OF THE MONTH NOMINEES FOR JUNE ANNOUNCED


Stars of England’s ICC World Test Championship series triumph Jonny Bairstow and Joe Root feature, with New Zealand’s Daryl Mitchell completing the lineup

South Africa’s Shabnim Ismail and Marizanne Kapp in women’s shortlist alongside England’s Nat Sciver
More about the ICC Player of the Month awards is available here

The shortlist for the ICC Men’s Player of the Month award for June is dominated by batting superstars from England and New Zealand following their recent ICC World Test Championship (WTC) series.

England enjoyed a successful start to Brendan McCullum’s coaching reign in the longest format, and two figureheads of their 3-0 whitewash of New Zealand, Jonny Bairstow and Joe Root, are shortlisted after outstanding contributions in three successful run chases. The lineup is completed by New Zealand batting ace, Daryl Mitchell, thanks to several key performances through the series.

The ICC Women’s Player of the Month shortlist features two icons of South Africa with bat and ball. Shabnim Ismail dazzled while spearheading the bowling attack in their One Day International (ODI) series against Ireland, while compatriot Marizanne Kapp is nominated following her fierce resistance at the crease in the Test match against England. Starring for her opponents in that same match, England’s Nat Sciver is also included among the nominees in celebration of her outstanding display with the bat in her side’s mammoth first innings total.

An independent ICC Voting Academy* and fans around the world can now vote to decide the winners, which will be announced next week. Fans registered on icc-cricket.com/awards are invited to cast their votes until Saturday.

ICC Men’s Player of the Month Nominees for June:

Jonny Bairstow (ENG)

Bairstow was at his brutal best during the WTC series against New Zealand, scoring 394 runs at an average of 78.80. Despite a quiet showing at Lord’s, he recorded the second fastest century for an English batter in Tests when he struck a phenomenal 136 in the second innings in Nottingham. His partnership alongside skipper Ben Stokes shifted the momentum of the second Test in memorable fashion and helped clinch victory against the odds. Bairstow continued where he left off in the final Test, bludgeoning his way to England’s second-fastest 150 which laid the foundation for the series whitewash.

Daryl Mitchell (NZ)

Despite their WTC series defeat, Mitchell was a constant threat to an otherwise impressive and effective England bowling attack. Frequently arriving at the crease with his side’s backs against the wall, at times he appeared in unstoppable form, ending the series having amassed 538 runs at an average of 107.60, only failing to pass the half-century mark in one innings and registering a century in each match. This remarkable series of scores sees him nominated for the first time.

Joe Root (ENG)

Root continued his extraordinary form in the longest format, which stretches back well over the last 12 months. His unbeaten 115 in the second innings of the first Test at Lord’s secured victory and set the tone for three successful run chases against the current WTC title-holders, with Root seeing his side home in two of them. Passing the 10,000 Test runs milestone during the series, his scores of 176 and 86 not out in the second and third Tests helped him reclaim top spot in the MRF Tyres ICC Men’s Test Batting rankings in June and saw him end the month with 396 runs at an average of 99.00.

ICC Women’s Player of the Month Nominees for June:

Shabnim Ismail (SA)

Ismail was once again the key weapon in the South African bowling attack during the ODI series in Ireland, taking 11 wickets at an incredible average of 5.00. Returning impressive figures of three for 16, three for 31 and a stunning five for eight in the final match in Dublin, she led from the front to reduce the hosts to scores of 69, 213 and 89, securing comfortable wins in each of the three fixtures. Ismail is shortlisted for the first time since she won the inaugural ICC Women’s Player of the Month award back in January 2021.

Marizanne Kapp (SA)

Kapp also celebrates her first nomination since January 2021 following her epic batting performances that proved crucial to rescuing her side in the sole Test match against England at Taunton. Her masterful 150 in the first innings set a national record for the highest Test score by a South African female and allowed her side to post a respectable 284 in response to a big first innings total by England. She continued to frustrate her opponents in the second innings by following up with 43 not out, salvaging an important draw.

Nat Sciver (ENG)

Sciver’s remarkable form in international cricket continues and sees her nominated for the second time in three months. England’s batters struggled to impose themselves on South Africa early in the Taunton Test, and at one point stood at 121 for five. Sciver struck an unbeaten 169 to help set an imposing 417 for eight, which would have been enough to secure victory but for rain and Kapp’s resilience.

The ICC Player of the Month Voting Process:

The three nominees for either category are shortlisted based on performances from the first to the last day of each calendar month. The shortlist is then voted on by the independent ICC Voting Academy* and fans around the world. The ICC Voting Academy comprises prominent members of the cricket fraternity including well-known journalists, former players, broadcasters and members of the ICC Hall of Fame. The Voting Academy submit their votes by email and hold a 90 per cent share of the vote. Fans registered with the ICC can vote via the ICC website, accounting for the remaining 10 per cent. Winners are announced every second Monday of the month on ICC’s digital channels.
 
The International Cricket Council (ICC) today announced the winners of the ICC Player of the Month awards for June 2022 as England’s all-conquering Jonny Bairstow and South Africa’s batting force Marizanne Kapp.

Bairstow is crowned following a month of memorable performances in his side’s 3-0 ICC World Test Championship (WTC) series victory against reigning champions New Zealand. Despite a quiet start at Lord’s, Bairstow produced an exhibition of explosive hitting to steal victory against the odds in the second Test, smashing the second fastest century ever registered by an English batter in the longest format. His exploits extended to the final match of the series, sealing the whitewash in equally explosive fashion with scores of 162 and 71 not out, which has since launched him up the MRF Tyres ICC Test Batter Rankings.
Bairstow celebrates this award for the first time, and is voted the Men’s Player of the Month ahead of teammate Joe Root and Daryl Mitchell of New Zealand. This remarkable series of scores has even continued into July, where back-to-back centuries in his side’s Test victory against India saw them home in a record-breaking run chase. Bairstow’s continued dominance already lines him up as a potential contender for the ICC Men’s Player of the Month award for July.

On being named the ICC Men’s Player of the Month, Bairstow commented: “I would like to thank the fans for voting for me as the ICC Men’s Player of the Month.

“It has been an incredible five weeks for England. It has been a positive start to our summer with four excellent wins against high-class opposition in New Zealand and India.

“We are enjoying our cricket as a team and playing with clarity and positivity. Even though I have scored four centuries in this period, I would like to acknowledge my teammates who have been excellent in every department and playing with immense confidence.”

Farveez Maharoof, the former Sri Lanka international and ICC Player of the Month voting panel member, said:“Jonny played the pivotal role of the aggressor, and was instrumental in winning the series for England with his counterattacking knock which changed the complex of the series against the World Test Champions. These kinds of players are special in Test cricket, and in my opinion he fully deserves this recognition.”

South Africa’s Kapp was selected the ICC Women’s Player of the Month, thanks to her solid and fierce resistance in the face of a hostile England bowling attack in the Test match at Taunton which secured her side a valuable draw. In what was her first Test match since 2014, Kapp came in with her side’s backs against the wall at 45 for four and produced a batting masterclass. She demonstrated her full repertoire of classy stroke-play on the way to scoring a national record of 150. Her resistance salvaged a respectable 284 for her team in the first innings, and while England set an imposing score in response, Kapp once again starred for her team with a score of 43 not out before rain curtailed play on the final day.

In securing this month’s award, Kapp overcomes fellow nominees in compatriot Shabnim Ismail and England’s Nat Sciver, and is South Africa’s first ICC Women’s Player of the Month winner since Lizelle Lee was crowned in March 2021.

On winning the ICC Women’s Player of the Month award for June, Kapp commented: ““It really means a lot for me to win the ICC Women’s Player of the Month award, especially being up against two absolutely brilliant players in Shabnim Ismail and Nat Sciver.

“What made my first Test century so special was that, number one, our first Test match (in 2014) was an absolute nightmare. Then having to play another one after eight years where I had minimum preparation for the Test match because I was unwell and then finding my team in the position we were in at 45 for four, it is something that will stay with me throughout my career.

“It’s definitely a highlight for me, especially with the wickets that fell at the other end and then having to bat with the tail as well, those partnerships are what also made it so special."
Reflecting on the award, former England international and member of the voting panel Lydia Greenway commented: “Playing in just her second Test match, Kapp showed resilience and high levels of skill to keep South Africa in the fight. In a weakened South Africa team due to injury, Kapp showed why she is one of the best all-rounders in the world by taking responsibility with bat and ball.”

Fans can continue to vote every month for their favourite male and female cricketers across all formats of international cricket as part of the ICC Player of the Month initiative by registering at
www.icc-cricket.com/awards.

ICC
 
Stars from the ICC World Test Championship, the Commonwealth Games and ICC qualification pathway events make up the shortlists for the ICC Player of the Month awards for July.

The ICC Men’s Player of the Month for June, Jonny Bairstow, is nominated once more following stellar performances at the crease for England, while Sri Lanka’s Test debutant and spin maestro Prabath Jayasuriya finds himself on the shortlist for the first time. Completing the men’s lineup for July is France’s record-breaking teenage star, Gustav McKeon.

Nat Sciver is no stranger to being nominated for the ICC Women’s Player of the Month award, and her second successive appearance on the shortlist follows her outstanding performances across ODI and T20I series against South Africa. England’s Emma Lamb enjoyed a very successful month with the bat and ball and is named on the shortlist which is completed with the addition of dangerous India seamer Renuka Singh.

An independent ICC Voting Academy* and fans around the world can now vote to decide the winners, which will be announced next week. Fans registered on icc-cricket.com/awards are invited to cast their votes until Saturday.

ICC Men’s Player of the Month Nominees for July:

Jonny Bairstow (ENG)

The winner of the ICC Men’s Player of the Month award for June, Bairstow continued where he left off with blistering performances in multiple formats in July. He reasserted his sublime form with the bat during his side’s final Test showdown with India at Edgbaston, scoring 106 and 114 to claim another historic Test victory and seal a 2-2 series draw against the odds during more final day drama. His notable exploits with the bat during his side’s white ball series against South Africa, including a 53-ball 90 in the first T20I, strengthens his claim to win a second successive award for July.

Prabath Jayasuriya (SL)

Sri Lanka’s Jayasuriya made a sensational start to his Test career in July, taking an extraordinary 29 wickets across three matches at an average of 20.37 against formidable opposition. Coming into the side following a humbling 10-wicket loss to Australia, Jayasuriya ripped through the touring line-up in the second Test, claiming six for 118 and six for 59 to secure an emphatic innings victory. This proved to be just the beginning of his prolific month, subsequently taking nine wickets and eight wickets in the following two Tests against Pakistan to build a strong case to be crowned the ICC Men’s Player of the Month for July.

Gustav McKeon (FRANCE)

Very few cricketers will enjoy as thrilling a start to their international careers as France’s teenage star McKeon. The 18-year-old set records tumbling during the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024 Sub Regional Europe B Qualifier in Finland, as he became the first player ever to register four successive half-centuries in his first four T20Is, converting two of those scores into centuries against Switzerland (109) and Norway (101). McKeon shone for France throughout, amassing 377 runs in five T20I matches at an average of 75.40 and with a hugely impressive strike rate of 164.62.

ICC Women’s Player of the Month Nominees for July:

Emma Lamb (ENG)

Leading the line for England at the top of the order, Lamb was instrumental in guiding her side to a 3-0 ODI series whitewash over South Africa in July. Registering a superb score of 102 in the first showdown at Northampton, Lamb followed up with two further half-centuries to finish the series as the leading run scorer. The England all-rounder also displayed her bowling credentials, taking the key wickets of opposition skipper Sune Luus and the ever-dangerous Marizanne Kapp in the third ODI at Leicester.

Nat Sciver (ENG)

Nominated for the second successive month, and the third time in four months, Sciver continues to be a driving force for England. Her significant contributions with both bat and ball enabled her side to record 3-0 series wins against South Africa in both the ODI and T20I series in July. Among her string of excellent performances was a haul of four for 59 in the first ODI that limited the tourists to a below-par score, before a powerful 55 from 36 balls laid the foundation for a momentum-building victory that set the tone for her side’s successful month.

Renuka Singh (IND)

Singh celebrates her first nomination for the ICC Women’s Player of the Month award thanks to a prolific month with the ball. Joint leading wicket-taker in her side’s ODI series in Sri Lanka with seven wickets at an excellent average of 12.85, she enjoyed a dazzling start to India’s pursuit for Commonwealth Games gold in Birmingham. Her standout individual display during the month was arguably the way she dismantled Australia’s top order in their opening match, claiming four wickets for 18 runs, only for her side to be thwarted in dramatic fashion by Australia’s lower order.
 
Bairstow will likely get this one despite Jayasuriya's impressive show at test level and very interesting case of the French teenager breaking records.
 
The International Cricket Council (ICC) today announced the winners of the ICC Player of the Month awards for July 2022 as Sri Lanka’s newest spin sensation Prabath Jayasuriya and England’s Emma Lamb, who starred atop the order in her side’s whitewash series victory over South Africa.

Jayasuriya claims the ICC Men’s Player of the Month award on the back of an outstanding series of displays with the ball, where his remarkable haul of wickets sees him crowned ahead of rival contenders England’s Jonny Bairstow - who won the Men’s award back in June - and French youngster Gustav McKeon.

During Sri Lanka’s three Test matches on home soil in July, Jayasuriya stepped into the squad for the first time in the longest format and made an immediate impact against formidable opponents. After his side was humbled in the first Test defeat to Australia, the spinner celebrated a prolific Test debut, taking six for 118 in the first innings, and following up with an even more impressive six for 59 in the second to claim the final Test and draw the series. Jayasuriya kept his momentum going into the two-Test showdown against Pakistan later in the month, taking seventeen wickets across the series and ending July with staggering figures of 29 wickets at an average of 20.37.

On being named the ICC Men’s Player of the Month, Jayasuriya said: ‘’I am delighted with this announcement, and wish to thank the fans for voting me as the ICC Men’s Player of the Month. Certainly it has been an incredible month for me, as I made the test debut, and also got the opportunity to contribute for my team to level the test series played against Australia and Pakistan.”

‘’I take this opportunity to thank my fans, teammates, coaches, family and friends for helping my journey, and thrilled with what I am experiencing at this moment in my life.”

Irfan Pathan, former India international and ICC Player of the Month voting panel member, said: “Being a newcomer to Test cricket and starting with two five-wicket hauls in your first match is extraordinary, and it’s all the more impressive against a team like Australia. A tally of 29 wickets in just three Tests is too good to be overlooked and for that, he is my ICC Men’s Player of the Month.”

Emma Lamb was voted the ICC Women’s Player of the Month for July following her thrilling start to life opening the batting in England’s victorious ODI series victory over South Africa. Lamb consistently laid the foundations for her side to claim victory in each of the three matches, with her most notable contribution coming in the first match in Northampton.

Her outstanding 102 in which she displayed a wide array of classy strokeplay set her on course for a stellar month, and she followed up this milestone by posting two further half-centuries to strengthen her credentials as a supremely talented top order batter, with a very bright future ahead.

On winning the ICC Women’s Player of the Month award for July, Lamb commented: “It's very exciting to have been awarded the ICC Women's Player of the Month award for July. I'm very happy to have earned my spot at the top of the order in the Test and ODI team and it's been brilliant to be able to score some runs and help the team win.

“Everyone in the squad contributed to our multi-format series win against South Africa so I just want to keep scoring runs for the team - I feel very lucky that my performances across the last month have been rewarded and I hope to carry on my good form."

Lamb secures the ICC Women’s Player of the Month award at the first time of asking, overcoming fellow nominees; England’s Nat Sciver and India’s Renuka Singh.
 
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