Dubai, Apr 4 (UNI) The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Thursday revealed the shortlist of candidates in contention to scoop the ICC Men’s and Women’s Player of the Month awards for performances in March.
The ICC Player of the Month awards highlight the outstanding individual performers on the international cricket stage, and the names shortlisted for March spans a range of formats.
The ICC Men’s Player of the Month shortlist includes a key architect in Ireland’s first ever men’s Test victory, a prolific frontline bowler from New Zealand, and a record-breaking Sri Lankan Test run-scorer.
Mark Adair has his maiden nomination for the ICC Men’s Player of the Month award after spearheading Ireland’s Test win over Afghanistan as well as contributing in the shorter formats.
New Zealand’s Matt Henry enjoyed a successful month with the ball also, taking regular wickets in his side’s World Test Championship series against Australia.
The lineup is completed by Sri Lanka batter Kamindu Mendis, nominated for his memorable batting feats as Sri Lanka overcame Bangladesh in the longest format.
The women’s shortlist celebrates both shorter formats, with the nominees consisting of an explosive young English batter, and iconic all-rounders from Australia and New Zealand.
England’s Maia Bouchier blasted her way to the top of the run-scoring charts in her side’s victorious T20I series away in New Zealand, for which she is handed her maiden nomination.
Ashleigh Gardner is a four-time former winner of the ICC Women’s Player of the Month and features once more after starring in Australia’s ODI series win against Bangladesh.
New Zealand’s Amelia Kerr may have been on the losing end of the England series, yet she provided strong resistance as the White Ferns’ leading run-scorer and wicket-taker in March’s contests.
An independent ICC Voting Academy and fans around the world will now be invited to cast their votes to decide the winners, which will be announced next week.
