Bumrah and Sutherland Receive ICC December Player Awards
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Synopsis
Jasprit Bumrah and Annabel Sutherland have been awarded the ICC Men's and Women's Player of the Month for December, respectively, following stellar performances in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and ODI series. Both players showcased exceptional skills, contributing significantly to their teams' successes.
Key Takeaways
- Jasprit Bumrah named ICC Men's Player of the Month for December.
- Annabel Sutherland awarded ICC Women's Player of the Month.
- Bumrah took 22 wickets in December's Tests at an average of 14.22.
- Sutherland scored 269 runs and took nine wickets in her ODI matches.
- Both players are nominees for ICC Awards 2024.
Dubai, Jan 14 (NationPress) Indian bowler Jasprit Bumrah and Australian all-rounder Annabel Sutherland have been honored as the ICC Men's and Women's Players of the Month for December, respectively, on Tuesday.
Bumrah, who ranks as the top Test bowler, displayed remarkable skill during Australia’s comeback in the thrilling Border-Gavaskar Trophy series with his formidable bowling performances. Meanwhile, Sutherland excelled in her ODI matches against India and New Zealand, earning the Player of the Series title twice for her exceptional all-round play.
According to an ICC announcement, “Both players were recognized following a vote among global fans registered on ICC's official site and a panel consisting of ICC Hall of Famers, former international athletes, and media representatives.”
Bumrah secured his second ICC Men’s Player of the Month award, surpassing fellow nominees, World Test Championship wicket-takers Pat Cummins and Dane Paterson. Similarly, Sutherland claimed her second ICC Women’s Player of the Month title, outpacing Smriti Mandhana and Nonkululeko Mlaba in the global voting.
Bumrah concluded a stellar year on the international platform with outstanding performances in December, taking 22 wickets across three Tests at an impressive average of 14.22.
As the home team regained confidence, recovering from a 1-0 deficit to gain the series lead, the seamer led India’s resistance, first excelling in Adelaide with figures of four for 61. Moving on to Brisbane, Bumrah decimated the Australian batting order in the first innings, claiming six for 76 and three for 18 in the second innings.
His remarkable nine-wicket haul in the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne included five for 57 in the second innings, allowing the 31-year-old to set a new record for the highest rating points ever achieved by an Indian bowler. Bumrah aims for continued success in the upcoming weeks, where he is nominated for two prestigious honors in the ICC Awards 2024 – the ICC Men’s Test Cricketer of the Year and the esteemed Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy for ICC Men’s Cricketer of the Year.
“I am delighted to be recognized as the ICC Men's Player of the Month for December. It is incredibly humbling to receive such individual accolades, and it feels rewarding to be acknowledged for my efforts,” said Bumrah. “The Border-Gavaskar Trophy was one of the most fiercely contested series ever, and it was a privilege for me to perform for my country,” he added.
The ICC Women’s Player of the Month, Sutherland, concluded a groundbreaking year with both bat and ball in Australia’s recent victories over India and New Zealand, amassing 269 runs at an average of 67.25 alongside nine wickets in her five matches.
Sutherland kicked off with four for 39 in a commanding win over India during the second ODI in Brisbane, then followed up with an explosive batting performance, scoring 110 runs off 98 balls in the final match to earn the Player of the Series award.
The subsequent series against New Zealand showcased her batting prowess, as the 23-year-old scored a powerful 105 runs in just 81 balls, leading to an opening victory by 65 runs (DLS).
In the second match, she contributed with another 42 runs and three wickets, as Australia achieved back-to-back ODI series sweeps, granting Sutherland her second consecutive Player of the Series title.
The all-rounder is also in the running for the ICC Awards 2024, nominated in both the ICC Women’s ODI Cricketer of the Year category and the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy for ICC Women’s Cricketer of the Year.
“December was an excellent month for us, and I was glad to contribute to the team's success. Our squad has impressive depth, so it was gratifying to seize the opportunities to spend time in the middle,” Sutherland commented. “Those ODIs were crucial for us as we prepare for the upcoming Women’s Cricket World Cup, and it was fantastic to win both series against India and New Zealand,” she added.
