The International Cricket Council (ICC), on Monday, announced the winners of the ‘Players of the Month Awards’ for July 2022. Notably, these awards recognize best performances from both male and female cricketers across all forms of international cricket.
Earlier this month, ICC had shared the list of nominees. In the male category, the race was between England’s explosive batter Jonny Bairstow, Sri Lanka’s spin sensation Prabath Jayasuriya and France’s young star Gustav McKeon.
Similarly, in the female category, the nominees were England’s new opening batter Emma Lamb, her teammate and captain Nat Sciver, and India’s pace sensation Renuka Singh.
Amongst men, Jayasuriya has won the prestigious award following his jaw-dropping start to international cricket. He emerged as the latest spin hero for the Islanders and had one of the most memorable debuts in the longest format.
The spinner registered figures of 6/118 and 6/59 to help Sri Lanka level the two-match Test series against Australia in Galle. Jayasuriya’s sensational bowling propelled the hosts to beat the tourists by an innings and 39 runs.
“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,” said Jayasuriya as quoted by ICC.
“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,” he added.
When it comes to Women’s cricket, the Player of the Month award was bagged by England all-rounder Lamb. She dominated England’s three-game ODI series against South Africa.
Lamb smashed her maiden ODI century in the opening match and followed it with scores of 67 and 65 as the hosts registered a clean sweep over Proteas Women.
“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,” said Lamb.
“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,” she added.
