Three Rising Stars Contest for ICC Men’s Player of the Month Glory

The curtains have closed on another action-packed month of international cricket, and with July behind us, the ICC has unveiled the exciting shortlist for the Men’s Player of the Month award. This month, three outstanding performers across all three formats have captivated audiences with their exceptional skill and determination. Let’s delve into the inspiring stories of these talented nominees.

Gus Atkinson

Lord’s Cricket Ground witnessed a potential changing of the guard in July. Stepping into the void left by the legendary James Anderson, young pacer Gus Atkinson announced his arrival on the international stage with a bang. Atkinson’s Test debut against the West Indies was a dream come true. He ripped through the visitors’ batting line-up, bagging an incredible 12 wickets.

His fiery spell in the first innings, yielding 7/45, left the Windies reeling at a mere 121. Atkinson’s consistency shone through, as he followed it up with another five-wicket haul in the second innings, securing England a dominant innings victory. His impressive haul of 22 wickets across the series secured him both the Player of the Match and Player of the Series accolades.

Washington Sundar

After battling injuries and proving his mettle for years, Washington Sundar finally seems to have cemented his place in the Indian T20I team. When the regular squad took a well-deserved break after their World Cup triumph, Sundar stepped up as the leader of a young Indian unit touring Zimbabwe. Despite India’s unexpected loss in the opening match, Sundar remained unfazed. His all-round brilliance, highlighted by a crucial 27-run knock and figures of 2/11, showcased his fighting spirit. In the following matches, Sundar played a pivotal role in India’s comeback, taking six more wickets and earning the Player of the Match award in the third T20I. With eight wickets to his name, he finished as the joint-highest wicket-taker and was deservedly named Player of the Series.

Even when the seasoned Indian T20I squad returned for the Sri Lanka series, Sundar’s impact remained undeniable. In a thrilling Super Over encounter, his all-around skills were once again on display. His crucial 25 runs helped India reach a competitive total, and his two wickets in the Super Over, conceding only two runs, secured India a dramatic victory and the Player of the Match award for Sundar.

Charlie Cassell

July wasn’t just about established names reclaiming their spotlight; it was also a month for dream debuts. Scotland’s Charlie Cassell etched his name in cricket history with a phenomenal performance in his first ODI against Oman. Cassell’s bowling spell was a masterclass in disciplined aggression. He ripped through the Omani batting line-up, claiming an incredible seven wickets for just 21 runs. This phenomenal performance not only secured a comfortable win for Scotland but also shattered a long-standing record.

Cassell’s figures surpassed Kagiso Rabada’s nine-year record for the best bowling figures on ODI debut. The young pacer’s dream start, highlighted by two wickets off his very first two international deliveries, showcased his raw talent and potential. With this record-breaking debut, Cassell not only carved his name in Scottish cricketing history but also propelled him into the elite company of bowlers with the 7th-best bowling figures in ODI history.

The battle for the ICC Men’s Player of the Month award promises to be a tight race. These three young players have showcased exceptional talent and determination, leaving cricket fans excited about the future of the sport. The vote is now open, and it’s up to you to decide who deserves the prestigious title for July.

Vote now on https://www.icc-cricket.com/awards/player-of-the-month/mens-player-of-the-month