Following the announcement of the shortlists last week, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has now named the winners of the ICC Men’s and Women’s Player of the Month awards for January 2024.
After making an amazing debut for the West Indies in their thrilling Test series in Australia, Shamar Joseph celebrates winning his first ICC Men’s Player of the Month award.
Because of her explosive run-scoring performances during Ireland’s T20I series win over Zimbabwe last month, Amy Hunter has been named the ICC Women’s Player of the Month.
Men’s Player of the Month Joseph had a fantastic beginning to his career in the West Indies. The 24-year-old made an immediate impression when he was added to the team for their Test series against Australia. He removed Steve Smith with the first ball he faced in an international match.
In his debut Test match, he took five wickets in Adelaide’s first innings, including the valuable wickets of Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, and Cameron Green. However, his performance in Brisbane’s second Test will live on in the memory of many.
In the second inning, Joseph had to defend a modest 216 to prevent an Australian victory. He bowled seven quick for 68, four of which were bowled, and dramatically bowled the home team out eight runs short of the objective.
With the victory, the West Indies secured a record 1-1 draw, and Joseph won Player of the Series for his outstanding debut. He is now the first West Indian to have won the ICC Men’s Player of the Month award since it began in January 2021, thanks to this most recent honor.
Shamar Joseph, the ICC Men’s Player of the Month for January, expressed his happiness at receiving the honor. Receiving this kind of recognition on a global scale feels unique. Playing for the West Indies in Australia was an amazing experience that I thoroughly loved, especially the excitement of the last day at the Gabba. It was a dream to take the wicket and win the game!
“It was an absolutely unforgettable experience for me, and all I want to do is keep working hard and winning games for the West Indies with the ball and, when needed, with the bat.
“I would especially like to express my gratitude to my Australian colleagues and support personnel who have always encouraged me to finish the job. Although I will be the one accepting the honor, it is also for the team and all of the West Indian supporters.
Another of the young players illuminating the world stage is Amy Hunter, the ICC Women’s Player of the Month. She celebrated her first accolade after helping Ireland win handily in Zimbabwe last month thanks to big runs at the bat.
Hunter started the month with a quiet ODI series, but he lit up the Harare T20I series with a barrage of blows.
The 18-year-old wicketkeeper-battler lit up the scoreboard in the opening Twenty20 International encounter, smashing a brilliant 101 not out in just 66 balls to lead the away team to a 57-run victory. In the second and third innings, Hunter scored an additional 77 and 42 runs, respectively, as Ireland won the series convincingly away from home.
Her 220 runs at an amazing strike rate of 144.73 during her three Twenty20 Internationals this month made her the first player from Ireland to win the ICC Women’s Player of the Month title since Arlene Kelly did it back in August 2023.
“It’s an honor to win the ICC Women’s Player of the Month award for January,” said Amy Hunter.
The January ICC Women’s Player of the Month. I am incredibly thrilled to be on a shortlist with two of the greatest in the world.
“The year has gotten off to an incredible start with two convincing series victories against Zimbabwe. I’m happy to have had a part in the group’s accomplishments and intend to keep doing so.
Votes cast by fans worldwide who registered at icc-cricket.com and a specialist panel made up of media representatives, past international players, and members of the ICC Hall of Fame determined the winners of Joseph and Hunter’s prizes.
Joseph defeated Australia’s Josh Hazlewood and England’s Ollie Pope in the Tests held throughout the month, while Hunter triumphed against Alyssa Healy and Beth Mooney of Australia.
India
