Shami, Head, Maxwell Vie for ICC Men’s Player of the Month Award

India’s veteran fast-bowler Mohammed Shami, along with the Australian ODI World Cup-winning duo of Travis Head and Glenn Maxwell, stand as contenders for the prestigious ICC Men’s Player of the Month award for November 2023.

Shami, emerging as the leading wicket-taker at the 2023 Men’s ODI World Cup, played a pivotal role in India’s bowling attack throughout the month. Despite India falling short and ending up as runners-up, Shami’s scintillating performances left an indelible mark. His journey began with a standout Player of the Match display against Sri Lanka at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium, where he dismantled the opposition’s batting lineup with impressive figures of 5-18.

A standout moment in Shami’s campaign occurred during the semi-final against New Zealand in Mumbai, where he claimed seven wickets for 57 runs, securing India’s spot in the final in Ahmedabad with the best figures in the World Cup knockout games. In the entire month, Shami took an impressive 15 wickets at an average of 12.06.

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Maxwell, earning his first nomination for the award, showcased brilliance throughout November. His remarkable World Cup performance against Afghanistan in Mumbai, where he scored an unbeaten 201 while chasing 292, was a standout moment. Despite battling cramps, Maxwell’s heroics secured Australia’s place in the knockout stages. In the final at Ahmedabad, he played a crucial role with both bat and ball, ensuring victory for Australia and sealing the title.

Travis Head, nominated for the Men’s Player of the Month for the first time, contributed significantly to Australia’s success in the ICC World Test Championship Final against India earlier in the year. In India, he continued his match-winning streak with two Player of the Match performances in the knockout stages. Notable among them was his stellar performance in Kolkata, where he excelled with both bat and ball, securing a thrilling chase.

The pinnacle of Head’s achievements came in Ahmedabad, where he scored a magnificent 137 off 120 balls in pursuit of 241, guiding Australia to their sixth World Cup title amid jubilant celebrations. These outstanding performances have earned Shami, Maxwell, and Head well-deserved nominations for the ICC Men’s Player of the Month.

–IANS