India pacer Mohammed Siraj was named ICC Player of the Month for August on Monday, following his heroic effort in the fifth and final Test against England.
The pacer beat out opposition from New Zealand’s Matt Henry and West Indies fast bowler Jayden Seales for the monthly award.
Siraj’s superb match-winning effort on the final day of the Test series against England, the only match he was a part of in August, helped India win The Oval Test match by six runs.
Siraj grabbed three wickets on the dramatic final morning of the fifth match to finish with nine wickets in the match as the Indian team drew the series 2-2.
“It is a special honour to be named ICC Player of the Month. The Anderson–Tendulkar Trophy was a memorable series, and it was one of the most
intense contests I have been part of.
“I am proud that I could contribute with some important spells, especially in the decisive moments. Bowling against a top batting line-up in their home conditions was challenging, but it also brought out the best in me,” said Siraj.
“This award belongs as much to my teammates and the support staff as it does to me, because their constant encouragement and belief kept me going.
“I will continue to work hard and give my best every time I wear the India jersey.”
Siraj was also successful in attaining his career-best ranking in the ICC Men’s Test Bowler Rankings post the final England Test, after he was successful in picking up 23 wickets in five Tests, while averaging 32.43, including two five-wicket hauls.
Prendergast Takes Home Women’s Honours
Ireland all-rounder Orla Prendergast was also announced as the ICC Women’s Player Of The Month, beating out Pakistan’s wicketkeeper-batter Muneeba Ali and the Netherlands’ seam bowler Iris Zwilling.
Prendergast was named the Player of the Series in a home T20I series, helping win 2-1 against Pakistan. She scored 144 runs and took four wickets in that series and maintained her fine form in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Europe Qualifier, aggregating 244 runs and finishing with seven wickets in August.