Kiwis Amelia Kerr, Mitchell Santner among ICC Player of the Month nominees

The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Friday named the outstanding performers that have been shortlisted for the ICC Player of the Month awards for October.

“An action-packed month saw a host of international stars light up both the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 in the UAE, and several key battles in the ongoing ICC World Test Championship,” said ICC in a statement.

“The shortlist for the ICC Women’s Player of the Month award features three individuals honoured in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 Team of the Tournament.”

New Zealand’s Amelia Kerr is nominated thanks to a memorable string of performances in which she set a new wicket-taking record as the White Ferns secured their maiden T20 World Cup triumph in the UAE.

Deandra Dottin made her return to the West Indies’ lineup in October, and made an immediate impact, inspiring her side to reach the semi-final of the competition with valuable runs and wickets. Laura Wolvaardt completes the shortlist after topping the run-scoring charts and captaining South Africa to their second successive Women’s T20 World Cup final.

“The nominees for the ICC Men’s Player of the Month award include three impactful wicket-takers who starred in their respective ICC World Test Championship encounters last month,” the statement added.

Noman Ali is shortlisted for the first time after his wicket-taking exploits on home soil helped Pakistan secure a memorable comeback victory over England. Joining him among the October nominees is Mitchell Santner, after the left-arm spinner bowled New Zealand to victory in the second Test against India at Pune.

Kagiso Rabada reclaimed top spot in the ICC Men’s Test Bowling Rankings during the month and his outstanding efforts during South Africa’s series triumph in Bangladesh earns him his latest nomination.

New Zealand, BlackCaps, WhiteFerns, Amelia Kerr, Mitchell Santner, Laura Wolvaardt, Noman Ali, Kagiso Rabada