(ICC Photo)
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced the nominees for the Player of the Month award for July 2024, with India’s Washington Sundar among the contenders. Sundar’s standout performances over the past month have earned him a spot in the running for this accolade.
In July, Washington Sundar emerged as a crucial player for the Indian cricket team. After a period of injury-induced absence, the all-rounder made a significant impact in the T20Is, playing a key role in India’s success.
Sundar was instrumental in India’s 4-1 T20I series victory over Zimbabwe. He began the series with strong figures of 2/11 and contributed 27 runs, although India lost that match. However, he continued to excel with both bat and ball throughout the series, eventually being named Player of the Series. His performance peaked in the third game, where he took 3/15 and was named Player of the Match. He concluded the series with 8 wickets.
In the T20I series against Sri Lanka, Sundar had limited opportunities but made a significant impact in his sole appearance. He scored 25 off 18 balls, aiding India in reaching a total of 137/8. His bowling also proved decisive, taking two wickets when Sri Lanka needed 23 runs from 24 balls. Sundar’s efforts in the Super Over, where he claimed two more wickets, earned him the Player of the Match award.
Gus Atkinson and Charlie Cassell were also shortlisted for the ICC Player of the Month award for July.
The second nominee for the ICC Player of the Month Award for July is England’s Gus Atkinson. The fast bowler made a remarkable debut, claiming 7/45 in the first innings and following up with 5/61 in the second innings, amassing 12 wickets in the match and earning the Player of the Match award.
In the subsequent games, Atkinson continued his exceptional form, taking 10 wickets and helping England secure a 3-0 whitewash over the West Indies. He finished the series as the leading wicket-taker with 22 wickets and was named Player of the Series for his outstanding performances.
The third nominee is Scotland’s Charlie Cassell, who delivered a spectacular performance in his ODI debut against Oman in Dundee. Cassell’s figures of 7/21 broke Kagiso Rabada’s nine-year-old record for the best bowling figures on an ODI debut and are the seventh-best in ODI history. His achievement places him among the elite bowlers, surpassing figures set by legends like Andy Bichel and Glenn McGrath.
