Mohammed Siraj and Orla Prendergast Named ICC Players of the Month for August

Mohammed Siraj from India and Orla Prendergast from Ireland have been picked as the ICC Players of the Month for August after their key roles in their teams’ big wins. Siraj won the award for his brilliant bowling on the last day of the Test series against England, where he helped India win The Oval Test by just six runs. His performance put him ahead of New Zealand’s Matt Henry and West Indies’ Jayden Seales. With Jasprit Bumrah missing, Siraj led India’s pace attack and proved himself as one of the most important players across all formats.

In the only Test he played in August, the 5th Test between India and England, Siraj took 9 wickets across both innings with an average of 21.11. His bowling was a big reason why Shubman Gill and the team won the final Test. On the last day at The Oval, he delivered a brilliant spell that turned the match in India’s favor. Because of his efforts, India not only won the game but also leveled the series 2-2.

“It is a special honour to be named ICC Player of the Month. The Anderson–Tendulkar Trophy was a memorable series, and it was one of the most intense contests I have been part of. I am proud that I could contribute with some important spells, especially in the decisive moments. Bowling against a top batting line-up in their home conditions was challenging, but it also brought out the best in me." Mohammed Siraj said.

“This award belongs as much to my teammates and the support staff as it does to me, because their constant encouragement and belief kept me going. I will continue to work hard and give my best every time I wear the India jersey." he added.

Orla Prendergast Shines with Bat and Ball to Clinch Top Honour

Ireland all-rounder Orla Prendergast won the award ahead of Pakistan’s Muneeba Ali and Netherlands’ Iris Zwilling. She was the best player in the home T20I series against Pakistan, scoring 144 runs and taking four wickets to help Ireland win 2-1. She then kept up her good form in the Women’s T20 World Cup Europe Qualifier, where she made 244 runs and took seven wickets in August.

“I’m delighted to have received this award and would like to extend my thanks to the ICC and anyone who voted for me. I’d also like to acknowledge my teammates and our support staff who have worked hard all summer to come away with some important series wins. The T20I series win against Pakistan was the highlight of the summer. Additionally, we had a brilliant series win against Zimbabwe and completed a clean sweep at the European T20 Qualifiers. We’ll be looking to build on these performances into our winter series and the Global T20 qualifiers in January.” Orla Prendergast said.

“Personally, though, this award means a lot and further validates the decision I made 5 years ago to pursue cricket as a career. When I was growing up, that wasn't an option. But today, a young girl is able to see women's cricket being played live on TV or online.

Visibility is so important in growing interest and participation in the sport, and equally, awards like this help one to reinforce that growing status of the women's game globally. So, I'd like to thank the ICC for continuing to back women's cricket and raise the profile of women cricketers around the world.” Orla added.

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