International Cricket Council (ICC) has shortlisted four nominees for the Men's Emerging Cricketer of the Year 2024 award. The four nominees are Sri Lanka's Kamindu Mendis, Pakistan's Saim Ayub, England's Gus Atkinson and West Indies' Shamar Joseph.
The four star cricketers have been recognized for their exceptional performances across formats for their respective teams throughout 2024. Two of the nominees, Shamar Joseph and Gus Atkinson, marked impressive debuts in Test cricket. Meanwhile, Sri Lankan batter Kamindu Mendis bagged a big milestone by equalling Sir Don Bradman's massive record. Meanwhile, Pakistan's batting sensation Saim Ayub notched stunning centuries of late for his team's winning cause.
Pakistan's Saim Ayub
Saim Ayub enjoyed a remarkable year in ODIs, amassing 515 runs across nine matches at an impressive average of 64.37. The southpaw opener played an instrumental role in Pakistan's successful tours of Australia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa. He proved his batting prowess with two centuries during the South African tour, to be adjudged Player of the Series as Pakistan completed their 3-0 whitewash.
Moreover, Ayub played a key role in Pakistan's historic ODI series victory in Australia after a 22-year drought. His contributions extended beyond batting, as he also claimed five wickets with an impressive economy rate of 4.63. One of his most memorable performances came against South Africa in Paarl, where he scored a brilliant 109 runs off 119 balls, featuring 10 fours and three sixes.
Sri Lanka's Kamindu Mendis
Kamindu Mendis also had an exceptional run in 2024, accummulating 1451 runs in 32 matches across all formats at an impressive average of 50.03. He clocked a remarkable feat by becoming the third-fastest batter to reach 1000 runs in men's Test cricket, emulating legendary Sir Don Bradman's record of notching this feat in just 13 innings. Mendis proved his might in Test cricket by scoring 1049 runs in nine matches at an outstanding average of 74.92, including five centuries.
Mendis played a crucial role in Sri Lanka's successful tour of England, contributing 267 runs to the team's total. He played a significant part in Sri Lanka's historic first Test victory in England in a decade, scoring a crucial half-century. One of his most memorable performances came during the 2-0 home series victory over New Zealand, where he scored a career-best unbeaten 182 runs.
West Indies' Shamar Joseph
Shamar Joseph quickly established himself as a force to reckon with in Test cricket following his debut tour of Australia. Shamar Joseph played a key role in the West Indies' historic Test victory in Australia, their first since 1997. During the series, Joseph picked 13 wickets, including two five-wicket hauls. He continued his strong form at home, taking 12 wickets against Bangladesh and South Africa.
Joseph's most memorable performance came during the historic victory at the Gabba, where the West Indies became only the second team to defeat Australia at this iconic venue since 1989. Joseph excelled under pressure, claiming 7 wickets for 68 runs with the pink ball, contributing significantly to the team's eight-run victory and leveling the series 1-1. His outstanding performance earned him the well-deserved Player of the Series award.
England's Gus Atkinson
England's Gus Atkinson burst onto the international scene with a spectacular Test debut against the West Indies in July 2024. The right-arm pacer has quickly established himself as a force to be reckoned with, claiming 52 wickets in just 11 Tests at an impressive average of 22.15. His debut at Lord's was nothing short of sensational, where he captured 7/45 in the first innings, followed by another five-wicket haul in the second. This dominant performance earned him the Player of the Match award. Atkinson also played a pivotal role in England's historic Test series victory in New Zealand, contributing 12 wickets across three matches. Later, he displayed his all-round abilities by scoring his maiden Test century against Sri Lanka. His exceptional match figures of 12/106 rank as the fourth-best bowling figures for a debutant in men's Test cricket.