Dubai, Jan 7 (Representative) The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Tuesday unveiled the shortlists in contention for the ICC Men’s and Women’s Player of the Month awards for December 2024, celebrating the outstanding individual performances on the international stage during the calendar month. Following a gripping month of action in the race to the ICC World Test Championship Final, the nominees for the ICC Men’s Player of the Month comprise standout wicket-takers from India, Australia and South Africa. India’s Jasprit Bumrah is nominated for the second month in succession after continued spells of destructive bowling in India’s efforts in the enthralling Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against Australia. Victorious Australia skipper Pat Cummins also earns his way onto the shortlist following decisive bowling spells, as Australia edged ahead with wins in Adelaide and Melbourne in December.
Completing the lineup is South Africa’s Dane Paterson, whose 13 wickets across two Tests helped South Africa become the first team to qualify for the WTC Final at Lord’s in June.Australia, South Africa and India are also represented among the contenders for the ICC Women’s Player of the Month award. Talismanic Indian batter Smriti Mandhana scored heavily during December, notching notable scores in Australia and against the West Indies on home soil. Nonkululeko Mlaba is nominated for the first time after historic wicket-taking feats in South Africa’s Test against England at Bloemfontein.Australia’s all-round sensation Annabel Sutherland is the final name on the shortlist after shining with the bat and ball during the month, hitting back-to-back centuries against India and New Zealand alongside valuable wickets.