Prabath Jayasuriya crowned ICC Player of the Month for July

The International Cricket Council (ICC) yesterday announced the winners of the ICC Player of the Month awards for July 2022 as Sri Lanka’s newest spin sensation Prabath Jayasuriya and England’s Emma Lamb, who starred atop the order in her side’s whitewash series victory over South Africa.

Jayasuriya claims the ICC Men’s Player of the Month award on the back of an outstanding series of displays with the ball, where his remarkable haul of wickets sees him crowned ahead of rival contenders England’s Jonny Bairstow - who won the Men’s award back in June - and French youngster Gustav McKeon.

During Sri Lanka’s three Test matches on home soil in July, Jayasuriya stepped into the squad for the first time in the longest format and made an immediate impact against formidable opponents.

After his side was humbled in the first Test defeat to Australia, the spinner celebrated a prolific Test debut, taking six for 118 in the first innings, and following up with an even more impressive six for 59 in the second to claim the final Test and draw the series. Jayasuriya kept his momentum going into the two-Test showdown against Pakistan later in the month, taking 17 wickets across the series and ending July with staggering figures of 29 wickets at an average of 20.37. On being named the ICC Men’s Player of the Month, Jayasuriya said: ‘’I am delighted with this announcement, and wish to thank the fans for voting me as the ICC Men’s Player of the Month.

“Certainly, it has been an incredible month for me, as I made the test debut, and also got the opportunity to contribute for my team to level the test series played against Australia and Pakistan. I take this opportunity to thank my fans, teammates, coaches, family and friends for helping my journey, and I am thrilled with what I am experiencing at this moment in my life.”

Former India international and ICC Player of the Month voting panel member Irfan Pathan said: “Being a newcomer to Test cricket and starting with two five-wicket hauls in your first match is extraordinary, and it’s all the more impressive against a team like Australia. A tally of 29 wickets in just three Tests is too good to be overlooked and for that, he is my ICC Men’s Player of the Month.”