Australian batter Travis Head has been chosen as the ICC Player of the Month for the month of November 2023. This Australian player played very important innings in the recently concluded ODI World Cup, and helped his team become world champion for the sixth time.

Also Read: IND vs SA: Kohli's form with the bat will define India's campaign in the series, says Jacques Kallis

The International Cricket Council had nominated a total of 3 players for the November ICC Player of the Month, which included Australia's Travis Head as well as Glenn Maxwell and India's fast bowler Mohammed Shami, but ultimately it was Head who won the award.

Travis Head played memorable innings in the ODI World Cup

Travis Head has played two of the most memorable innings in the ODI format for Australia this month, which came on the two biggest stages of the ODI format. This explosive opening batsman of Australia played a quick half-century against South Africa in the semi-finals of the World Cup, and also took 2 wickets. At the same time, in the final match of the World Cup, he had ensured victory for the team by playing an inning of 137 runs against India, and made Australia the champion of the ODI World Cup for the sixth time.

Head started playing after almost half of the World Cup, but when he started playing, he played memorable innings in many matches for Australia, and hence he has also been chosen this month's Player of the Month.

Head beats Maxwell and Shami to become ICC Player of the Month

Apart from Travis Head, Australia's Glenn Maxwell was also nominated for ICC Player of the Month, and because he also performed brilliantly for Australia in this World Cup. Especially Maxwell had played such a double century innings against Afghanistan, which is seen once in centuries.

At the same time, the name of India's Mohammed Shami was also nominated by the ICC for Player of the Month, because this fast bowler started playing after the end of the first 4 World Cup matches, and finished the World Cup campaign with the most wickets. However, ICC has considered Travis Head as the rightful owner of Player of the Month.

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Nahida Akter wins ICC Player of the Month for Women's

Bangladeshi cricketer Nahida Akter got the ICC Player of the Month award for her wicket-taking exploits during last month's competitive ODI series victory over Pakistan on home soil. Spin maestro Nahida lost out in October's voting, but clinched the award for November.

Former England captain Michael Vaughan has raised his voice appealing for a 'like-for-like sub' option in test cricket, even if the injury is not a head injury. Vaughan took to social media, X and voted for the change in rules in test cricket. 

During the first day of the England vs India, 4th test in Manchester, Rishabh Pant got injured while attempting a reverse sweep against pacer Chris Woakes. Woakes' ball hit Pant's right foot on the full toss, and Pant had to retire hurt in severe pain.

The concerning photos showed that there was a big cut on Pant's feet and it was bleeding heavily. The Indian wicket-keeper batter was taken away on a buggy and quickly sent for a scan. On Thursday, the reports suggested that Pant would be ruled out of the whole test match due to a fractured toe and would need at least six weeks of rest to recover. Ishan Kishan, who has been playing county cricket for Nottinghamshire, will be added to the Indian squad for the fifth test.

🚨REPORTS 🚨

Rishabh Pant has fractured his toe and has been advised to take six weeks of rest. It is unlikely that he would come to bat again in the fourth test in Manchester. #RishabhPant #ENGvIND #Cricket #CricketNews pic.twitter.com/1aPkqQlixb

— Sportz Point (@sportz_point) July 24, 2025

Can Jurel bat for Rishabh Pant in the second inning?

Now the question is that can anyone bat in place of Rishabh Pant in the second inning of the fourth test? Unfortunately, NO. 

As per the current rule, a like-for-like substitution is only allowed in the case of head injuries. If a player gets hit on the head, teams are allowed to name a like-for-like substitute nomination, and if the match referee agrees, that player is substituted. 

The first player to be used as a concussion substitute in Test cricket was Marnus Labuschagne. He replaced Steve Smith during the 2019 Ashes series after Smith was struck on the neck by a bouncer from Jofra Archer.

Former England captain Michael Vaughan now wants a change to that rule. Even apart from the head injuries, Vaughan wants the like-for-like substitute option available if anyone gets injured during the first inning of a test match. 

"Clear and obvious injuries in the first innings of Tests, we should allow like for like Subs .. we have concussion subs so surely we can have subs for injuries like Rishabhs," Vaughn Tweeted. 

Clear and obvious injuries in the first innings of Tests we should allow like for like Subs .. we have concussion subs so surely we can have subs for injuries like Rishabhs .. https://t.co/MComKbHbyn

— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) July 24, 2025

Why can this be beneficial for teams? So, if a pace bowler gets injured while bowling the first over of the test match, the team would be without a bowler for the whole test match, and the same goes for a batter as well, which is now the case with India and Rishabh Pant.

The change in the rule will allow someone with the same skill as the injured player can replace him/her during the second inning of the test match. This will bring parity to the teams, and fans can also enjoy a better test match. Now, as per the current rule, even though Dhruv Jurel can play as a substitute wicket-keeper, he will not be able to bat in the place of Rishabh Pant. 

South African batter Aiden Markram has won the ICC Men's Player of the Month for June 2025. Meanwhile, West Indies captain Hayley Matthews won the ICC Women's Player of the Month for June 2025. 

Markram awarded for ton in WTC final

Markram, who scored 136 off 207 balls and featured in a 147-run third wicket stand with captain Temba Bavuma in a successful chase of 282 in the World Test Championship 2025 final at Lord's. 

The South African opener helped South Africa win an ICC Title for the first time since the Champions Trophy in 1998. He also picked up a wicket in each inning of the final. 

Markram defeated Kagiso Rabada and Sri Lanka opener Pathum Nissanka to win the ICC Men's Player of the Month for June 2025. 

 "It is a privilege to receive this award. To contribute to an ICC World Test Championship win for our team and South Africa is something that means a lot to me.

“Winning the final at Lord's is a historic moment for South African cricket, and it is something we will all remember forever. This victory was only possible due to the combined efforts of the entire team, with crucial contributions from KG (Kagiso Rabada) and Tembs (Temba Bavuma)," Markram said.

Read Also | ICC U19 World Cup 2024: Current Dream World ODI XI From Past U19 Stars

Matthews became the second player to win four Player of the Month Awards

West Indies captain Hayley Matthews, who had won the award in November 2021, October 2023 and April 2024, won the award for June 2025, beating South Africa’s Tazmin Brits and teammate Afy Fletcher. She became only the second player after Australia all-rounder Ashleigh Gardner, to win the fourth ICC Women's Player of the Month Award.

Matthews scored 104 runs in the three ODIs against South Africa, including a half-century in the third match. She also picked up four wickets in the series. She then continued her form in the T20Is, winning the Player of the Series award, with two fifties in an aggregate of 147 runs and two wickets.

West Indies went on to win the T20I series by 2-1.

 “It’s an honour to receive the Player of the Month award again. I’ve been pleased with my form recently, but more importantly, it’s been great to contribute to the team’s success—especially in a hard-fought T20I series against South Africa.

"Recognition like this is appreciated, but my focus remains on what’s ahead. There’s a lot more I want to achieve, both personally and with this team. We’re heading in the right direction, and I’m excited about where we can go from here,” Matthews expressed. 

The World Test Championship was started in 2019 to make Test cricket interesting. The Championship has changed the way Test Cricket is being played. Though England has shown their aggressive brand of cricket, which has taken the world by storm, but failed to win the title.

South Africa are the current winner of the ICC World Test Championship. New Zealand and Australia have won the World Test Championships in the first two editions, while India played the final on both occasions.

Joe Root, the former test captain of England till now has scored the test centuries in the World Test Championship.

Here are the players with the most Test centuries in the World Test Championship.

1. Joe Root | 19

England's Joe Root has the most Test centuries in the World Test Championship. So far, he has scored 19 centuries in 122 innings of 67 matches. Root is also the batsman who has scored the most runs in this tournament, with 5756 runs at an average of 51.85.

His best knock came against India in 2021 when he scored 228 in Chennai to help his side win the game. 

Read Also: Fav four in cricket: Kohli vs Root vs Williamson vs Smith overall stats

2. Steven Smith | 13

Australia's Steve Smith has now scored the most test centuries in the World Test Championship. The Aussie top-order batter has been one of the best test batters of this generation and has scored runs all around the world.

Smith is known for his unorthodox and yet effective batting style, which keeps on annoying the opponent's bowling lineups.

Till now in WTC, Steve Smith has scored 4225 runs at an outstanding average of 50.29, including 13 test centuries.

Read Also | Most Test Runs in Cricket History (Men's)

3. Marnus Labuschagne | 11

Australia's Marnus Labuschagne has scored 11 centuries in his Test career, and all have been scored in the World Test Championship. In 53 matches, he has scored 4225 runs at an average of 48.01 during the Test Championship.

Marnus used to have his test average over 50. However, a recent dip in form, which also led to him being dropped from the test side as well, brought his batting average down. 

Still, he is the batter with the second-most test centuries and third-most runs in WTC history so far. 

4. Kane Williamson | 11

Kane Williamson has batted amazingly in the World Test Championship. He has played only 28 matches so far in this tournament, but has managed to score 11 centuries in his 50 innings. 

Williamson has the best average (61.34) among the batsmen who have scored at least 2000 runs in the World Test Championship. During the Test match versus South Africa, the former Kiwi skipper scored two tons in the same game. 

Williamson, with 33 test centuries, is the batter with third most test centuries among active batters. 

5. Rohit Sharma | 9

Former Indian test captain Rohit Sharma is the only Indian batter included in the 'most Test centuries in the World Test Championship' list.

Before retiring from the format, Rohit played 40 matches during the Test Championship since 2019. In his 69 innings, he has scored 9 centuries and 8 half-centuries with his bat.

With 2716 runs in the World Test Championship in just 40 Tests, Rohit is the highest scorer for India in WTC history so far, with an average is 41.15. Rohit Sharma's all of 9 test tons in WTC came in winning cause for India. 

Also Read: Most Test Hundreds for India since 2021

6. Babar Azam | 8

The former Pakistan skipper has scored 8 centuries during the World Test Championship cycle. Babar Azam is the sixth in the list of batters with most test centuries in WTC history.

In 36 matches, he has also scored 2998 runs at an average of 48.35 during the Test Championship.

The 29-year-old isn’t in the greatest of form currently, but on his day, Babar Azam is a delight to watch.

One of his most memorable knocks came against Australia in Karachi in 2022. Babar scored 196 while chasing a huge total in the 4th inning of the game.

7. Harry Brook | 8

Currently, the ICC No.1 Men's test batter, Harry Brook, comes at number seven on our list of players with most test centuries in the World Test Championship. 

The English youngster has just played 24 test matches during the WTC cycles and has scored 8 centuries so far. 

Apart from Joe Root, he has been the shining armour of the English batting lineup in the last two seasons. Brook, till now, has scored 2234 test runs in WTC at an average of 55.85, with an outstanding strike rate of 83.54, the highest in WTC history. 

Read Also | Top 10 Underrated Cricketers Who Can Surprise You in 2025

8. Dhananjaya de Silva | 8

Sri Lanka's Dhananjaya De Silva might be one of the surprising names on this list.

The Sri Lanka captain has been one of the best batters for his country despite lacking support from the other end, most of the time.

So far, he has scored 8 centuries in 62 innings of 35 matches. Dhananjaya also scored 2509 runs, with an average of 44.80, during the Test Championship. Dhananjaya is also one of the active players with the most test centuries currently. 

9. Travis Head | 8

Travis Head, the swashbuckling left-handed batter, has also scored 8 test tons during the World Test Championship cycle. The Aussie batter is one of the most dangerous middle-order batters in the world at the moment in test cricket. 

Till now, in 51 matches in WTC, Head has scored 3264 runs at an average of 40.80, with a strike-rate of 72.85. Head also scored 15 fifties during the World Test Championship. 

Head's 7 out of 8 test tons during the WTC came in a winning cause for Australia.

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10. Usman Khawaja | 8

Australian opener Usman Khawaja has hit 8 centuries during the World Test Championship cycle.

In 42 matches, he has scored 3251 runs at an average of 45.78. The Southpaw batter is a treat to watch when he is in song and has restored his career with some outstanding scores for the current WTC champions.

He was also the second-highest-scoring batsman in the 2021–2023 WTC cycle with 1,621 runs, the highest by an Australian batsman.

Also Read: Most Wickets in Test Cricket

11. Shubman Gill | 8

Before starting his tenure as the captain of the Indian men's test cricket team, Shubman Gill was nowhere on this list of batters with most test hundreds in WTC history. 

Read Also | Every record Shubman Gill broke during the ENG vs IND, 2nd test at Edgbaston

But as he wore the blazer of the Indian team, he was a different beast. In the first two tests as captain, he hit three centuries, which also had a highest score of 269, the highest by any Indian test captain. 

Till now, in 35 tests in WTC, Gill has scored 2494 runs at an average of 42.27, including 8 test tons. 

The Nation England has produced some extraordinary Batsmen in Cricket. They have impressed Cricket fans from all over the world with their achievements and glory. The test is considered the Best Format in Cricket. England has & had some players who are the best among many in the world of Test Cricket. Sir Jack Hobbs is considered the Best Test Batsman for England in Tests. He has scored 5410 runs in just 102 innings with 15 centuries and 28 half-centuries.

In recent times of greats, Joe Root has proven himself one of the greatest if not the greatest for England in Test Format as he has every right due to his achievements. Now, Let's give a look at the list of the Top 5 Batsmen with the most test centuries for England.

Read Also: Most International Hundreds among Active Players

Top 5 Batsmen with the Most Test Centuries for England:

1. Joe Root | 37 Centuries

England batter Joe Root has written his name in the history books for England in Test Format by bringing up his 37th Test hundred on the second day of the third Test between England and India at Lord’s. It was also his third consecutive Test century at the venue. Moreover, he also overtook Graham Gooch as the highest run-scorer at Lord's in international cricket. 

Root made his debut in 2012 against team India and since then he has played 156* test matches. He has scored 13,219 runs with an average of 50.84.

2. Alastair Cook | 33 Centuries

Alastair Cook was one of the greats in Test Cricket of his generation. He made his debut against India in 2006 for the national team in Test Cricket. Cook played 161 Test matches in which he batted 291 innings. He scored 12,472 runs with an average of 45.35. His highest score was 294 and he made 33 centuries and 57 half-centuries for his team. Cook played his last Test Match against India in 2018.

3. Kevin Pietersen | 23 Centuries

Kevin Pietersen has proved himself across every format for England. He made his Test debut in 2005 against the Australian side at Lords. Pietersen played 104 test matches, in which he scored 8181 runs with an average of 47.29. He played his last test match against Australia in 2014. Kevin Pietersen is third on the list with 23 Centuries.

4. Wally Hammond | 22 Centuries

The judgment of cricket history is that the greatest batsmen the game has known are - WG Grace, Jack Hobbs, Walter Hammond, and Don Bradman. Others may come close indeed to those four but do not quite take place with them. Hammond made his test debut against South Africa in 1927. He played 85 test matches and scored 7249 runs with an average of 58.45. He is 4th on the list with 22 test centuries. The Great Walter Hammond played his last Test match against New Zealand in 1947.

5. Colin Cowdrey | 22 Centuries

Colin Cowdrey mostly known as Michael Cowdrey played Cricket for 21 years, One of the most durable batsmen in the history of Test Cricket. Cowdrey made his test debut in 1954 against the Aussies and played 114 matches, scoring 7624 runs with an average of 44.06. He is 5th on the list with the same no as Wally Hammond, 22 centuries. Michael Cowdrey played his last test match in 1975 against the Australian side.

Top 10 Players with the Most Centuries in Test Cricket for England:

ICC tournaments are very crucial cricket tournaments in international cricket. These tournaments observe all the top cricket teams competing against each other. ODI World Cup, T20I World Cup, and Champions Trophy are the three major ICC tournaments. Some Indian players have turned up at these worldwide events multiple times, impacting the game long and deeply.

In this article, we will take a look at those Indian with most ICC appearances.

Also Read: Top 10 players with most runs in ICC knockout matches

Indian with Most ICC Appearances

10. Sachin Tendulkar | 61

• Span - 1992-2011
• Runs - 2719
• HS - 152

After hitting runs all over the ground throughout a two-decade glorious career filled up with many centuries and fifties, legendary Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar, widely regarded as the greatest batter after Sir Don Bradman.

Having represented India in 61 ICC tournaments, Sachin scored 2719 runs with seven centuries. His highest score in these tournaments is 152.

9. Mohammed Shami | 61

• Span - 2014-2025
• Wickets - 163
• BBI - 7/57

Mohammed Shami is India's most successful bowler in ICC white-ball Tournaments. Mr. ICC is also India's most successful bowler in ICC events, surpassing Zaheer Khan.

Shami has played a total of 61 matches across various ICC tournaments, taking 163 wickets. His best performance in the tournament is 7/57.

8. KL Rahul | 62

• Span - 2019-2025
• Runs - 2808
• HS - 137

There are stars in the Indian team, and then there is KL Rahul. Rahul showcased consistent performances for India as he batted in any position for the team. Rahul was one of the unsung heroes of the Men in Blue's victorious 2025 Champions Trophy campaign.

KL has played a total of 62 matches across various ICC tournaments, amassing 2808 runs. His highest score in the tournament is 137. He also has 6 hundreds to his name.

7. Yuvraj Singh | 72

• Span - 2000-2017
• Runs - 1707
• HS - 113
• Wickets - 35

Those who watched Indian cricket during the last two decades know how valuable Yuvraj Singh has been for the Indian cricket team. Statistics aside, he has proved to be a match-winner almost every time he has stepped on to the field in Indian colors.

Having represented India in 72 ICC tournaments, Yuvraj scored 1707 runs with one century, and 35 wickets to his name.

6. MS Dhoni | 78

• Span - 2006-2019
• Runs - 1492
• HS - 91

Legendary Indian skipper MS Dhoni turned 42 on Friday. With his performances and composure in big matches both as a captain and batter, he has won India all three major ICC white-ball cricket trophies, making him one of the most successful captains in cricket history.

Dhoni has played a total of 78 matches across various ICC tournaments, amassing 1492 runs. His highest score in the tournament is 91*.

Also Read: MS Dhoni's captaincy record in ICC Finals

5. Jasprit Bumrah | 79

• Span - 2016-2025
• Wickets - 229
• BBI - 6/27

Jasprit Bumrah is an integral part of India in all formats of the sport. Spearheading India’s pace attack for the last few years, he has done an incredible job.

Bumrah has played a total of 79 matches across various ICC tournaments, taking 229 wickets. His best performance in the tournament is 6/27.

4. Ravichandran Ashwin | 84

• Span - 2011-2024
• Runs - 1248
• HS - 113
• Wickets - 254

Ravichandran Ashwin is sure to go down as one of Indian cricket’s all-time greats. Having featured in 84 matches for India, the numbers paint a befitting picture of his impact with both bat and ball.

Ashwin scored 1248 runs in verious ICC events. He also has 254 wickets in the tournaments.

3. Ravindra Jadeja | 107

• Span - 2009-2025
• Runs - 2516
• HS - 175*
• Wickets - 202

Ravindra Jadeja has appeared in total of 107 matches across various ICC events, amassing 2516 runs. He also has 3 tons in the tournaments. His highest score in ICC event is an unbeaten 175. Jadeja also has 202 wickets in his name. 

2. Rohit Sharma | 130

• Span - 2007-2025
• Runs - 6172
• HS - 212

Indian captain Rohit Sharma has led India to back-to-back ICC titles, T20 World Cup 2024 and Champions Trophy 2025. 

Rohit has played a total of 130 matches across various ICC tournaments, amassing 6172 runs. He also has 17 hundreds to his name. Rohit has represented India in nine T20 World Cups, three ODI World Cups, two World Test Championship (WTC) finals, and three Champions Trophy tournaments.

Also Read: Who can break Rohit’s six-hitting record?

1. Virat Kohli | 136

• Span - 2009-2025
• Runs - 6451
• HS - 254*

Former Indian skipper Virat Kohli has the most ICC appearances, playing 136 matches for India. Recently Kohli was part of the Indian team that won the T20 World Cup 2024 edition against South Africa and Champions Trophy 2025 against New Zealand.

Kohli has played a total of 136 matches across various ICC events, amassing 6451 runs. He has 11 tons in the tournaments. His performances showed his consistency and ability to deliver for India in crucial international tournaments.