Finance
Mohammed Siraj has been named the ICC Men’s Player of the Month for August, following his consistent, match-winning performance against England in The Oval Test.
Siraj’s excellent effort, in which he took nine wickets at an average of 21.11 throughout both innings, not only helped India win the Test from a difficult position, but also ensured that the closely contested series ended at 2-2.
The fast bowler was also selected Player of the Match in the last Test for his performance, which featured a five-wicket haul in the second innings and 46 overs bowled in the five-day match.
The right-armer defeated New Zealand’s Matt Henry and West Indies fast bowler Jayden Seales to win the monthly prize.
Siraj was the only Indian pacer to feature in all the five Test matches against England, making him the leading wicket-taker as well, and to bowl with the same intensity until the final day of the series was a commendable effort.
“It is a special honour to be named ICC Player of the Month. The Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy was a memorable series, and it was one of the most intense contests I have been part of,” Siraj was quoted as saying in an ICC release.
“I am proud that I could contribute with some important spells, especially in the decisive moments. Bowling against a top batting lineup in their home conditions was challenging, but it also brought out the best in me.
“This award belongs as much to my teammates and the support staff as it does to me, because their constant encouragement and belief kept me going. I will continue to work hard and give my best every time I wear the India jersey,” the pacer added.
Siraj also achieved a career-best ranking in the ICC Men’s Test Bowler Rankings following the last England Test, having taken 23 wickets in five Tests while averaging 32.43, including two five-wicket hauls.
