India fast bowler Mohammed Siraj has been nominated for the ICC Player of the Month award for August following his match-winning display in the final Test against England at The Oval. Joining him on the shortlist are New Zealand pacer Matt Henry and West Indies quick Jayden Seales, both of whom produced standout performances for their sides. Siraj was India’s workhorse in the series featuring in all five Tests of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. He finished as the leading wicket-taker with 23 scalps and bowled more than 185 overs across the series. His finest hour came in the deciding fifth Test, where he claimed nine wickets and was named Player of the Match as India sealed a famous win to level the series 2-2. With Jasprit Bumrah unavailable, Siraj led the attack with courage and energy, delivering crucial spells that swung the contest India’s way. Matt Henry earned his nomination after dismantling Zimbabwe in a two-Test series. The Kiwi seamer took 16 wickets across the two matches at an astonishing average of just over nine. His returns of 6/39 and 5/40 in back-to-back innings ensured New Zealand wrapped up a dominant 2-0 series victory.
Poll
Who do you think should win the ICC Player of the Month award for August?
Jayden Seales, meanwhile, played a starring role in ending West Indies’ 34-year wait for an ODI series win over Pakistan. After a quiet start in the opening game, he roared back with three wickets in the second before delivering a career-best 6/18 in the decider — the third-best ODI bowling figures ever by a West Indian. Pakistan were bundled out for 92, giving the Caribbean side a landmark series triumph. The winner of the ICC’s Player of the Month for August will be announced later this month.