Devon Conway of New Zealand and Sophie Ecclestone of England have been named ICC Players of the Month for June. After an incredible first month in Test cricket, Conway became the first New Zealand player to win the ICC Men’s Player of the Month award, smashing a solid double century on debut against England at Lord’s and following it up with two half-centuries in his next two games, including the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final in Southampton. Conway took home the accolade ahead of teammate Kyle Jamieson, who was named Player of the Match in the WTC Final against India, and South Africa’s Quinton de Kock, who was nominated for his outstanding efforts during their West Indies tour.
“I’m truly honored to win this award. That I have received it for my performances in Test cricket makes it extra special,” said Conway in an ICC release.
“Scoring a double century at Lord’s was a dream come true for me and to have also been able to contribute to our win over India in the ICC World Test Championship Final is something that I know I will proudly look back on in years to come,” he said.
Ecclestone, a left-arm spinner, beat out Indian duo Shafali Verma and Sneh Rana to become the second English woman to win the ICC Women’s Player of the Month title, following Tammy Beaumont in February.
Ecclestone, who was named the ICC Emerging Player of the Year in 2018, was the most successful bowler in the one-off Test against India in Bristol, where she took eight wickets. In the two ODIs that followed, she took three wickets apiece.
Shafali had been nominated for a Player of the Match performance of 96 and 63 on debut in Bristol, as well as some important runs in the two consecutive One-Day Internationals.
Rana’s efforts during this time included a valiant 80 not out in the second innings in Bristol to avoid defeat, as well as four wickets.
