ICC Player Of The Month: February Nominees

The International Cricket Council revealed the outstanding performers who have been nominated for the ICC Men's and Women's Player of the Month Awards for February 2023. ICC celebrates that every month on the basis of the international matches played during that month. February includes the likes of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2023 and the ICC World Test Championship.

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ICC Player Of The Month Nominees: February

ICC shortlisted three prolific performers in the longest format for the Men's Player of the Month. Harry Brook started his Test cricket career in a great fashion as he is scoring runs continuously. His performance during England's series in New Zealand last month earns him another nomination for the award. he was the December Player of the Month. ICC shortlisted Ravindra Jadeja for the first time after inspiring a dominant start to the series for India in their World Test Championship battle against Australia. The final name in line for the ICC Men's Player of the Month crown is the West Indies' spinner Gudakesh Motie, who returned astonishing figures in a record-breaking bowling display during their away Test series in Zimbabwe.

The three nominees for the ICC Women's Player of the Month enjoyed a memorable ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2023 in South Africa. Ashleigh Gardner won the award back in December and her inspirational all-round form in February earned her the Player of the Tournament prize as Australia claimed a sixth global T20 crown. Nat Sciver-Brunt earned the nomination with impressive batting performances. Laura Wolvaardt, the leading run scorer from the Women's T20 World Cup completed the 3rd spot of nominations with consistency in her performances that led South Africa to their maiden T20 World Cup Final.

An independent ICC Voting Academy and fans around the world can now vote to decide the winners. ICC will announce the winners next week.

ICC Men's Player of the Month Nominees for February: 

Harry Brook (Eng):

He made his Test debut in September last year. Harry Brook is already emerging as England's newest danger and important man in the format. After winning the ICC Men's Player of the Month award back in December, he's showing no signs of slowing down. February saw him produce another beautiful display in New Zealand. His 329 runs across two Tests including a stunning 186 in the second Test at Wellington earned him the position.

Ravindra Jadeja (Ind):

The top two sides in the ICC World Test Championship standings go head-to-head in the long-awaited series in India. Number one-ranked all-rounder Jadeja was quick to showcase his ability as the home team took a 2-0 series lead. Jadeja took 17 Australian wickets during the month, including an excellent seven for 42 in the second Test in Delhi. He also impressed with the bat. Jadeja's innings of 70 in the first Test set the tone for India's early success as they aim to qualify for the World Test Championship Final at the Oval in June.

Gudakesh Motie (WI):

He has played only one test before February began. The left-arm spinner Motie shined as the West Indies clinched a 1-0 series victory in Zimbabwe last month. He claimed 19 wickets throughout the two-Test series. Motie also registered landmark figures of 13-99 in the second Test in Bulawayo - the best match haul by a West Indies spinner in Test history. The figures were enough to earn him the Player of the Series tag, and his first nomination for the ICC Men's Player of the Month award, where he has the potential to be the first-ever West Indian winner. 

ICC Women's Player of the Month Nominees for February:

Ashleigh Gardner (Aus):

Australian all-rounder Ashleigh Gardner topped the MRF Tyres ICC Women's T20I Player Rankings in South Africa. Her form with bat and ball during February proved why she performed so well. She scored 110 runs and took ten wickets with an average of 12.50 across the tournament. Her biggest contributions included a starring role in the thrilling semi-final victory over India, scoring a crucial 31 (18 balls), and taking two wickets in the match. Valuable runs in the Final also earned Gardner the Player of the Tournament & the nomination for February.

Nat Sciver-Brunt (Eng):

Nat Sciver-Brunt proved a pivotal figure in England's top order throughout the tournament with her powerful hitting. The England star recently celebrated the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy for ICC Women's Player of the Year in 2022. Her extended spell of good form continued with four 40-plus scores across five matches. She has been shortlisted for the ICC Women's Player of the Month on five occasions but has yet to seal her maiden award win.

Laura Wolvaardt (SA):

South Africa enjoyed a historic run to the Women's T20 World Cup Final. Although they lost the final, the brilliance of Wolvaardt impressed fans all around the world. The event witnessed the 23-year-old at her most mesmerizing, scoring big in wins against Bangladesh (66 not out), England (53), and in the Final against Australia (61). These successive scores ensured Wolvaardt ended the tournament as the leading run-scorer with 230 runs.

The ICC Player of the Month Voting Process: 

The three nominees for either category are shortlisted based on performances from the first to the last day of each calendar month. The shortlist is then voted on by the independent ICC Voting Academy* and fans around the world. The ICC Voting Academy allows prominent members of the cricket fraternity including well-known journalists, former players, broadcasters, and members of the ICC Hall of Fame to submit their votes. They submit their votes by email and hold a 90 percent share of the vote. Fans registered with the ICC can vote via the ICC website. Winners are announced every second Monday of the month on ICC's digital channels. 

Voting Academy for ICC Player of the Month February 2023: 

Afghanistan: Hameed Qayoomi and Javed Hamim; Australia: Scott Bailey and Lisa Sthalekar; Bangladesh: Mohammad Sekander Ali and Md Ariful Islam Roney; England: Elizabeth Ammon and Lydia Greenway; Ireland: Ger Siggins and Clare Shillington; India: Lavanya Lakshmi Narayanan and Irfan Pathan; New Zealand: Merryn Anderson and Craig Cumming; Pakistan: Sawera Pasha and Sana Mir; South Africa: Zaahier Adams and Ashwell Prince; Sri Lanka: Azzam Ameen and Farveez Maharoof; West Indies: Daren Ganga and Stacy Ann King; Zimbabwe: Daniel Nhakaniso and Mpumelelo Mbangwa; Others: Ajit Vijaykumar and Dirk Nannes.