New Delhi, Feb 13: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has revealed the ICC Men’s and Women’s Player of the Month award winners for January 2024 after shortlists were announced last week.

Shamar Joseph celebrates a maiden ICC Men’s Player of the Month crown after making a sensational debut for the West Indies in their dramatic Test series in Australia.

Amy Hunter is named the ICC Women’s Player of the Month thanks to her rapid run-scoring feats in Ireland’s T20I series victory over Zimbabwe last month.

Men’s Player of the Month Joseph enjoyed a stellar start to his West Indies career. Brought into the side for their Test series against Australia, the 24-year-old made an instant impact, removing Steve Smith with his first ball in international cricket.

His first outing in Test cricket saw him claim five wickets in the first innings in Adelaide, taking the prized wickets of Marnus Labuschagne and Cameron Green as well as Smith, but it will be his efforts in the second Test in Brisbane which will long be remembered.

Defending a modest 216 to prevent an Australian victory in the second innings, Joseph produced an unforgettable display of fast bowling, taking seven for 68 – four of which were bowled – to skittle the home side out in dramatic fashion eight runs short of the target.

The win saw the West Indies claim a historic 1-1 draw, with Joseph sealing the Player of the Series award for his impressive debut. This latest accolade means he is the first West Indian to win the ICC Men’s Player of the Month award since its inception in January 2021.

ICC Men’s Player of the Month for January, Shamar Joseph, said, “I am extremely delighted to win this award. To get such an award on the world stage feels special. I totally enjoyed every moment of that experience playing for West Indies in Australia, especially the magic of the final day at the Gabba. Taking the wicket to win the match was a dream!

“It was a truly memorable moment for me, and I just want to continue to work hard and deliver more match-winning performances for the West Indies with the ball; and when required also with the bat.

“I want to say special thanks to the teammates and support staff in Australia who backed me from the start to get the job done. I will be the one receiving the award, but this is also for the team, and all the fans in the West Indies as well.”

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