The shortlist for the ICC Men’s Player of the Month Award for November 2023 features two champions from the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 and an experienced Indian fast-bowling veteran.
- Travis Head (Australia):
- Australia’s dynamic batsman, Travis Head, made a stellar return to the team after a prolonged injury break. In November, he showcased outstanding form by accumulating 220 runs in five ODIs at an impressive average of 44, including a half-century and a century.
- Head’s standout performances in the Cricket World Cup semi-final and final earned him the Player of the Match awards and played a crucial role in Australia securing their sixth trophy.
- Notably, in the final against India, Head’s remarkable innings of 137 from 120 balls led Australia to a six-wicket victory. Despite a challenging situation at 47/3, Head’s composed play in the middle overs, featuring 15 fours and four sixes, proved pivotal.
- Additionally, Head contributed an 18-ball 35 in Australia’s five-wicket win over India in the third T20I of the series that India claimed 4-1.
- Glenn Maxwell (Australia):
- Glenn Maxwell exhibited stellar performances, amassing 204 runs at an astounding average of 204 and a strike rate of 152.23 in three ODIs last month, along with two wickets.
- In two T20Is against India, Maxwell scored 116 runs at an impressive strike rate of 207.14.
- Maxwell’s return to the team, following an absence due to a golfing mishap, was marked by a historic double century – the first by an Australian in Men’s ODIs and the second-fastest double ton ever. This remarkable feat occurred during a chase, making it the highest score by a No.6 or lower batsman.
- Mohammed Shami (India):
- Indian fast bowler Mohammed Shami continued his exceptional form into November, finishing as the leading wicket-taker of the 2023 Cricket World Cup with 24 wickets from seven innings.
- Notable performances include a sensational 5/18 against Sri Lanka at Wankhede and a disciplined 2/18 in the demolition of South Africa at Eden Gardens.
- Shami’s standout contribution came in the semi-final against New Zealand, where he took 7/57, the best return for an Indian bowler in ODIs. Despite the daunting target of 397, Shami’s bowling efforts played a pivotal role in India’s triumph.
