The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced the nominees for the ICC Player of the Month Award for August 2024. Notably, no Indian cricketer has made the cut for this prestigious award.
ICC announces Player of the Month nominees for August
The shortlisted candidates for the August award include Keshav Maharaj from South Africa, Jayden Seales from West Indies, and Dunith Wellalage from Sri Lanka. These players have showcased exceptional performances throughout the month, making them worthy contenders for the honor.
Here are the nominees for ICC Men's Player of the Month Award for August 2024
Keshav Maharaj (South Africa)
South Africa's star spinner Keshav Maharaj is vying for his second ICC Men's Player of the Month award. His impressive performance in the recent two-match Test series against the West Indies has propelled him into contention. Maharaj played a pivotal role in revitalizing South Africa's campaign in the ICC World Test Championship 2023-25. His exceptional bowling skills were instrumental in securing a 1-0 victory over the West Indies in the Test series.
In the first Test, which ended in a draw, Maharaj showcased his dominance by taking 8 wickets for 164 runs. He continued his impressive form in the second Test, claiming 5 wickets for 45 runs, including a crucial three-wicket burst in the second innings. Maharaj's ability to break key partnerships for the West Indies proved to be a game-changer. His outstanding performance in the second Test ultimately led South Africa to a 40-run victory and a series win.
Jayden Seales (West Indies)
Despite West Indies' defeat in the Test series against South Africa, Jayden Seales emerged as a standout performer. His impressive bowling skills earned him the title of the team's top wicket-taker. The pacer claimed 12 wickets at an exceptional average of 18.08, with nine of those wickets coming in the second Test. In the absence of senior pacers Alzarri Joseph and Kemar Roach during the second Test in Providence, Seales capitalised on the conditions. He extracted significant movement off the pitch and led the Caribbean pace attack with his exceptional performance. His most notable contribution came in the second inning, where South Africa held a dominant position. Seales turned the tide with his career-best figures of 6/61, dismantling the South African batting lineup. He consistently broke through the Patriots' partnerships, eventually bowling them out for 246 runs in the second inning. Unfortunately, West Indies failed to chase down the target of 263 runs, losing the game and series to South Africa. However, Seales' outstanding performance places him in contention for the ICC Player of the Month award alongside his fellow West Indians, Shamar Joseph and Gudakesh Motie.
Dunith Wellalage (Sri Lanka)
Sri Lanka's all-rounder Dunith Wellalage delivered a breakthrough performance in the three-match ODI series against India last month. Facing a formidable Indian batting lineup, Wellalage's all-round brilliance played a crucial role in Sri Lanka's series victory. In the ODI series, Wellalage made significant contributions with both bat and ball. He amassed 108 runs and took seven vital wickets across the three matches. His standout moment came in the first ODI, where his 67* and two wickets led to a thrilling tie against India. In the second ODI, Wellalage's gritty 39 helped Sri Lanka set a competitive target of 240/9. He later contributed with his bowling, restricting India to 208 runs and securing a 32-run victory for Sri Lanka. Although Wellalage struggled with the bat in the third ODI, his bowling performance stole the show. He recorded career-best figures of 5/27, dismantling India's top order, including the prized wickets of Kohli, Rohit, and Shreyas Iyer. India was restricted to just 138 runs while chasing 249 runs, ultimately leading to Sri Lanka's historic series win against India.
A look at ICC Women's Player of the Month Award for August 2024
- Harshitha Samarawickrama (Sri Lanka)
- Orla Prendergast (Ireland)
- Gaby Lewis (Ireland)
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