India’s ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah has been nominated for the ICC Player of the Month award for the second consecutive time, following his stellar performances in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against Australia. The ICC announced the December 2024 shortlist for both the Men’s and Women’s Player of the Month awards on Tuesday.
Ranked as the world’s number-one Test bowler, Bumrah concluded an extraordinary year with 22 wickets across three December Tests. As Australia mounted challenges during the series, Bumrah emerged as India’s standout performer. His highlights included remarkable spells of four for 61 in Adelaide, six for 76 in Brisbane, and a nine-wicket haul in Melbourne, a performance that saw him achieve the highest-ever rating points for an Indian bowler. Bumrah, aiming to secure his second Player of the Month title, is also a strong contender for the prestigious Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy for ICC Men’s Cricketer of the Year 2024.
Joining Bumrah on the shortlist is Australia’s captain Pat Cummins, whose decisive contributions with bat and ball helped his team clinch victories in Adelaide and Melbourne. Cummins, last year’s ICC Men’s Cricketer of the Year, excelled with 144 runs and 17 wickets at an average of 17.64 in December. In Adelaide, his five for 57 in India’s second innings led to a commanding ten-wicket win. In Melbourne, he shone with a crucial first-innings knock of 49 and followed it up with 41 vital runs lower down the order, turning the game in Australia’s favor. He then dismantled India’s top order, paving the way for a 184-run victory that gave his side a decisive edge in the series.
The third nominee, South African seamer Dane Paterson, earned his first ICC Player of the Month nomination after an impressive return to the Proteas Test side. Paterson claimed 13 wickets across two Tests, helping South Africa become the first team to qualify for the ICC World Test Championship Final at Lord’s in June. Recalled for the second Test against Sri Lanka in Gqeberha, Paterson delivered a Player of the Match-winning five for 71, including a stunning over where he dismissed Dhananjaya de Silva, Kusal Mendis, and Lahiru Kumara. His performance was instrumental in South Africa’s 109-run victory. Paterson followed up with another match-winning five for 61 in a nail-biting win over Pakistan, sealing the Proteas’ place in the WTC Final.
These exceptional performances set the stage for a highly competitive ICC Player of the Month award for December 2024.
Smriti Mandhana nominated
The ICC Women’s Player of the Month award for December 2024 features strong contenders from India, South Africa, and Australia, showcasing exceptional performances across formats.
India’s star batter Smriti Mandhana delivered standout performances, amassing significant runs both during the tour of Australia and in the home series against the West Indies. Her consistency and ability to anchor innings reaffirmed her status as one of the world’s finest batters.
South Africa’s Nonkululeko Mlaba earned her first nomination after achieving historic wicket-taking milestones in the Test match against England at Bloemfontein. Her impactful bowling performances were key in shaping South Africa’s success during the series.
Rounding off the shortlist is Australia’s versatile all-rounder Annabel Sutherland. Sutherland impressed with both bat and ball, recording consecutive centuries against India and New Zealand while also contributing valuable wickets. Her ability to deliver in crucial moments solidified her reputation as a match-winner.
These three outstanding players have set the stage for a competitive race to the ICC Women’s Player of the Month title.
