After sensational debut for West Indies, Shamar Joseph wins ICC Player of the Month award for January

Dubai: West Indies pacer Shamar Joseph celebrated a maiden ICC Men's Player of the Month crown after making a sensational debut for the West Indies in their dramatic Test series in Australia.

Amy Hunter was named the ICC Women's Player of the Month for her rapid run-scoring feats in Ireland's T20I series victory over Zimbabwe last month.

Men's Player of the Month Joseph enjoyed a stellar start to his West Indies career. Brought into the side for their Test series against Australia, the 24-year-old made an instant impact, removing Steve Smith with his first ball in international cricket.

His first outing in Test cricket saw him claim five wickets in the first innings in Adelaide, taking the prized wickets of Marnus Labuschagne and Cameron Green as well as Smith, but it will be his efforts in the second Test in Brisbane that will long be remembered.

Defending a modest 216 to prevent an Australian victory in the second innings, Joseph produced an unforgettable display of fast bowling, taking seven for 68 - four of which were bowled - to skittle the home side out in dramatic fashion eight runs short of the target.

The win saw the West Indies claim a historic 1-1 draw, with Joseph sealing the Player of the Series award for his impressive debut. This latest accolade means he is the first West Indian to win the ICC Men's Player of the Month award since its inception in January 2021. ICC Men's Player of the Month for January, Joseph, said, "I am extremely delighted to win this award. To get such an award on the world stage feels special. I enjoyed every moment of that experience playing for West Indies in Australia, especially the magic of the final day at the Gabba. Taking the wicket to win the match was a dream!

"It was a truly memorable moment for me, and I just want to continue to work hard and deliver more match-winning performances for the West Indies with the ball; and when required also with the bat.

“I want to say special thanks to the teammates and support staff in Australia who backed me from the start to get the job done. I will be the one receiving the award, but this is also for the team, and all the fans in the West Indies as well."

ICC Women's Player of the Month Amy Hunter is another of the young talents lighting up the international stage, and she celebrates her maiden award on the back of significant scores with the bat as Ireland won decisively in Zimbabwe last month.

After a subdued ODI series to start the month, Hunter followed up with an explosive series of knocks in the T20I series in Harare.

The first T20I match saw the 18-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman smash a glittering 101 not out in just 66 balls from atop the order as the away side won by 57 runs. Hunter hit a further 77 and 42 runs in the second and third outings respectively as Ireland comfortably secured the series win away from home.

Across her three T20Is during the month, her 220 runs came at an impressive strike rate of 144.73, helping her become the first Ireland player to win the ICC Women's Player of the Month award since Arlene Kelly won back in August 2023.

ICC Women's Player of the Month for January, Amy Hunter said, “It's an honour to win the ICC Women's Player of the Month award for January. To be on a shortlist alongside two of the world's best is something that I am immensely proud of.

"It's been an amazing start to the year, with two convincing series wins against Zimbabwe. I am pleased to have been able to contribute to the team's success and hope to continue to do so." Joseph and Hunter win their awards following votes gathered from global fans registered at icc- cricket.com and a specialist panel comprising ICC Hall of Famers, former international players, and media representatives.

Joseph overcame other top performers in Tests during the month: England's Ollie Pope and Australia's Josh Hazlewood, while Hunter wins from the Australian duo of Alyssa Healy and Beth Mooney.