Former Bangladesh captain Mushfiqur Rahim has won the ICC Player of the Month award for his solid effort in a home Test series against Pakistan while England seam bowler Lauren Bell’s notable run in white-ball series against India and New Zealand helped her clinch the women’s award.
Mushfiqur, who had earlier won the award in May 2021, clinched the honour this time ahead of team-mate Taijul Islam and Nepal all-rounder Dipendra Singh Airee after he was named Player of the Series against Pakistan.
The 39-year-old Mushfiqur, who made his Test debut in 2005, displayed his insatiable hunger for runs as he accumulated 235 runs at an average of 63.25 to help win both Tests of the series with crucial knocks of 71 in the first innings of the first Test in Dhaka and 137 in the second innings of the Test in Sylhet. Mushfiqur had earlier won the award in May 2021.
Mushfiqur Rahim said: “It is a great honour to be named the ICC Player of the Month once again, and I am especially pleased that this recognition has come for my performances in Test cricket, My teammate Taijul also played a big part in our memorable series win over Pakistan, one which we will all cherish for long.
“Our victory has also helped us climb the ICC World Test Championship standings, making the achievement even more significant for the team. I am grateful to my team-mates and support staff for their support, and I look forward to contributing further to Bangladesh’s success in the months ahead.”
Lauren Bell was in the reckoning along with batters Gull Feroza of Pakistan and Maddy Green of New Zealand but her consistent performances in ODIs and T20Is against strong opponents helped her clinch the award. She grabbed five wickets in three ODIs and eight wickets in four T20Is during this period and was elated at winning the award.
Lauren Bell said: “I’m delighted to win this award. Performing well in front of home crowds is always fun and hugely satisfying. Playing for England is a huge honour and I am just proud to be able to contribute to our team!
“Women’s cricket has been growing at an incredible pace, and the fantastic crowds at the Women’s T20 World Cup really highlight that progress. The support from fans has been amazing, and I hope to give them more to cheer over the next few weeks”
Both players were crowned following a vote conducted among global fans registered at icc-cricket.com and a specialist panel comprising former international players and media representatives.
Fans can continue to vote every month for their favourite cricketers across all formats of international cricket in the ICC Player of the Month awards by registering at www.icc-cricket.com/awards.
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