Jaiswal and Sutherland Clinch ICC Player of the Month Titles for February
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced the winners of the ICC Men’s and Women’s Player of the Month awards for February 2024, following the shortlists revealed last week.
Yashasvi Jaiswal’s Dominant Performance
Yashasvi Jaiswal has been awarded the ICC Men’s Player of the Month following a series of commanding batting performances that led India to a series victory over England in the ICC World Test Championship in February.
Annabel Sutherland’s Record-Breaking Efforts
Annabel Sutherland has been named the ICC Women’s Player of the Month after her exceptional performance with both bat and ball set new records in Australia’s Test victory over South Africa in Perth.
Jaiswal, the ICC Men’s Player of the Month, showcased exceptional form throughout February, inspiring India’s comeback from a 1-0 deficit to secure a series victory. He scored a total of 560 runs at an average of 112 in his three Test appearances.
The 22-year-old started the month with a remarkable double-century in the second Test at Visakhapatnam, scoring a superb 209 in the first innings, leading his team to level the series with a 106-run victory.
Jaiswal then outdid himself in the second innings of the third Test in Rajkot, hitting an unbeaten 214 to equal the record for the most sixes in a Test innings (12) and securing a convincing win.
He continued his impressive form with another half-century in the fourth Test at Ranchi, marking a significant leap in the ICC Men’s Test Batting Rankings, where he now stands in the top ten after starting the series in 69th position.
Jaiswal’s win makes him the first Men’s Player of the Month winner from India since Shubman Gill in September 2023.
Yashasvi Jaiswal’s Reaction
Upon receiving the ICC Men’s Player of the Month for February, Yashasvi Jaiswal expressed his joy, stating, “I’m very happy to win this ICC award and I hope that there will be more in the future. It’s my first five match series and it’s been an incredible experience with all my mates.”
He added, “I continue to put in the hard yards in my practice sessions, learning from my seniors and trying my best on the ground. My highlight was probably celebrating my double-century in Rajkot. That was something I really enjoyed.”
“I’m really enjoying this moment and I’m looking forward to the next series,” he concluded.
ICC Women’s Player of the Month, Sutherland, secured her maiden win after a record-breaking Test display in Perth, leading Australia to victory over South Africa.
Sutherland started the month with modest scores in the ODI series against the same opposition, but her performance in the longest format of the game allowed her to showcase her full potential with both bat and ball.
With South Africa bowled out for a mere 76 and Australia struggling at 167 for four, Sutherland came to the crease and helped rebuild the innings. She then pushed on, producing a range of powerful strokes with no lack of confidence.
The all-rounder hammered the South Africa bowlers, scoring a blistering 210 – the fastest ever double-century in women’s Tests.
In addition to her batting prowess, Sutherland also took three for 19 in the first innings and two for 11 in the second innings, capping off a thrilling all-round performance.
Annabel Sutherland’s Reaction
Upon receiving the ICC Women’s Player of the Month for February, Annabel Sutherland stated, “It’s a massive honour to be named the Player of the Month and a nice way to cap off a successful home summer for the team.”
She added, “South Africa are always a strong opponent and to be able to perform against them in a home Test is something I’m proud of.”
“Test cricket is always a highlight and to have been able to contribute toward winning that match was really special,” she concluded.
Jaiswal and Sutherland were chosen as February’s winners by global fans registered at icc-cricket.com and a specialist panel comprising ICC Hall of Famers, former international players, and media representatives.
Jaiswal triumphed over fellow nominees and batting stars Pathum Nissanka and Kane Williamson to claim February’s prize, while Sutherland outshone UAE duo Kavisha Egodage and Esha Oza to clinch the Women’s Player of the Month title.
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.