October 08, Colombo (LNW): Two standout Sri Lankan cricketers have been nominated for the prestigious ICC Men’s Player of the Month award for September 2024, alongside Australia’s explosive batter Travis Head.
The nominations are based on their remarkable performances across Test and limited-overs cricket during the month.
Prabath Jayasuriya (Sri Lanka)
Sri Lankan left-arm spinner Prabath Jayasuriya has continued his sensational form in Test cricket, earning a well-deserved nomination. He played a pivotal role in Sri Lanka’s series triumph over New Zealand, taking an impressive nine wickets in each of the two Test victories, including a standout five-wicket haul in both matches.
His 5/68 in the second innings of the first Test in Galle proved decisive on the final day, as Sri Lanka bowled out New Zealand, denying the visitors by 63 runs. Jayasuriya followed up with an outstanding 6/42 in the second Test, helping his team secure a resounding series victory.
Throughout the month, Jayasuriya took 21 wickets in three Tests, including the second Test against England, at an average of 27.90. His achievements also saw him become the fastest Sri Lankan bowler to reach 100 wickets in Test cricket, accomplishing this milestone in just 16 matches, surpassing the previous record of 24 Tests.
Kamindu Mendis (Sri Lanka)
Young batting sensation Kamindu Mendis had a historic month in Test cricket, further enhancing his reputation as one of the brightest talents in the game. Mendis amassed 451 runs at an extraordinary average of 90.20 in four Tests, playing a crucial role in Sri Lanka’s victory at The Oval in England, followed by a home series win over New Zealand.
Mendis became the first male cricketer to score fifty in each of his first eight Test matches, an incredible achievement. Additionally, he reached the 1000-run milestone in just eight Tests, matching the legendary Don Bradman’s record of achieving the feat in 13 innings – the fastest in 75 years.
His month was highlighted by an unbeaten 182 in Sri Lanka’s dominant 602/5 declared during the second Test against New Zealand, which set up a comprehensive victory. However, it was his 114 in the first Test, when Sri Lanka found themselves in trouble at 88/3, that stood out. Mendis held the innings together in a match Sri Lanka won by just 63 runs, further cementing his status as a rising star.
Travis Head (Australia)
Australian batter Travis Head also earned a nomination for his explosive performances in white-ball cricket. As an opener, Head delivered a series of blistering knocks during Australia’s recent T20I and ODI series against England and Scotland.
In his five T20I appearances, Head amassed 182 runs at an astonishing strike rate of 245.94, including a 23-ball 59 against England and a 25-ball 80 against Scotland. The latter effort contributed to Australia registering the highest-ever Powerplay total by a full member nation in T20Is.
Head’s month was capped off with a Player of the Series award in Australia’s 3-2 ODI victory over England. He scored 248 runs at an average of 82.66 in four innings, while also picking up six wickets, including a match-winning 4/28 in the series decider.
These three players showcased exceptional talent in their respective formats, making them worthy contenders for the ICC Men’s Player of the Month award for September 2024.
