Pat Cummins, Australia’s Test captain, and Deepti Sharma, India’s talented allrounder, have been named the ICC Player of the Month for December following their remarkable performances which resulted in victories for their respective teams.
Cummins, leading the charge for the dominant Australian side, had an exceptional Test series against Pakistan. With a total of 19 wickets across three matches, Cummins not only emerged as the primary wicket-taking force but also boasted a remarkable average of just 12. His exploits with the ball underlined the skill and consistency he brings to the Australian lineup, reinforcing their status as the reigning World Test champions.
Reflecting on a year of successes and looking forward to an engaging cricket season ahead, Cummins shared his views.
“It’s been a great year for the group across all formats and to cap it off with a strong performance against a challenging Pakistan side was a nice way to finish 2023,” Cummins stated. “Overall we are very pleased with the summer so far and looking ahead to the West Indies and New Zealand series,” he added, signaling his anticipation for upcoming challenges.
In December, the women’s cricket scene also witnessed spectacular performances, especially from India’s Deepti Sharma. Her profound impact with both bat and ball helped India secure impressive wins against tough opponents like England and Australia.
In the spotlight was the one-off Test against England at the Wankhede, where Sharma not only took nine wickets for a mere 39 runs but also played a pivotal knock, scoring a half-century that contributed significantly to India’s total. Her performance with both bat and ball was nothing short of remarkable, and it proved to be a cornerstone in India’s thumping win.
Her success streak continued into the subsequent Test match against Australia. Sharma scored 78 runs and claimed two wickets to contribute to another historic victory—India’s first Test win over Australia in the women’s game.
Sharma’s outstanding achievements earned her the first Player of the Month award of her career, a testament to the critical role she played.
“It’s an honour to be voted the ICC Women’s Player of the Month for December. I feel very good about my game at the moment and I’m glad that reflected in my performances for India last month against strong opponents,” Sharma expressed. She acknowledged the support from fans worldwide as making the award “extra special” and extended her gratitude towards her teammates and supporters.
As both players relish their triumphs, the cricket community eagerly anticipates their future endeavors. Their performances serve not only as a showcase of individual excellence but also contribute significantly to the spirit and competitive nature of the sport.
With Cummins poised to take on future series against West Indies and New Zealand and Sharma continuing to strengthen her role in the Indian team, the cricketing world awaits more such enthralling exhibitions of talent and skill that elevate the game and inspire the next generation of cricketers.
The recognition from the ICC as Player of the Month is indicative of their exceptional talent and the vital presence they command within their respective teams. As they look ahead, fans are assured of exciting cricket reflective of the dedication and hard work these players continuously exhibit both on and off the field.
