The August Player of the Month nominations were revealed by the ICC. But none of the Indian candidates for the men’s and women’s divisions cut.
The nominations for August’s Player of the Month in the men’s and women’s divisions were revealed by the International Cricket Council. But in all categories, not a single Indian player was nominated for Player of the Month. Keshav Maharaj of South Africa, Jayden Seales of the West Indies, and Dunith Wellalage of Sri Lanka were the ICC Men’s Player of the Month nominees. The ICC Women’s Player of the Month nominees were Gaby Lewis and Orla Predergast of Ireland, as well as Harshitha Samarawickrama of Sri Lanka.
All-rounder Dunith Wellalage of Sri Lanka gave an outstanding performance against India last month, solidifying his status as a rising star. Wellalage made significant contributions to the ODI series. Making an early impression by taking wickets of important Indian players like Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill, he amassed 108 runs and claimed seven wickets. The high point of the third ODI was his career-best 5/27, which destroyed India’s batting order and won him acclaim for his ability to win matches.
ICC Player of the Month finalists
The veteran left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj of South Africa was outstanding during the two-Test series against the West Indies. With an astounding average of 16.07, Maharaj captured 13 wickets. His greatest performance was 8/164 in the first Test match, and his vital 5/45 in the second one, which included three wickets in the second innings, secured a South African victory. He became the most successful South African spinner in Test cricket history with this effort, surpassing even Hugh Tayfield.
During the same series, fast bowler Jayden Seales of the West Indies also got media attention. Despite being without key pacers Alzarri Joseph and Kemar Roach, Seales led the West Indian bowling attack with 12 wickets at an average of 18.08. West Indies had a chance in the second Test thanks to his outstanding stats of 6/61, but they ultimately fell short. Seales played a crucial role in maintaining the competitiveness of the contests.
In August, Harshitha Samarawickrama of Sri Lanka maintained her impressive form, winning the ODI and T20I series against Ireland. She was the top run-scorer in the T20Is because to her undefeated 86* and 65. She subsequently proved herself as a vital player for Sri Lanka by dominating in the ODIs, hitting 105 and 48*.
As for the other player, Orla Prendergast of Ireland won Player of the Match for her all-around abilities with 122* and significant wickets. During the second Twenty20 International, Gaby Lewis struck the highest individual score for Ireland in T20I cricket with a phenomenal 119 off 75 balls, sealing the victory.
