Wanindu Hasaranga And Ashleigh Gardner Win ICC Players Of The Month For June

Hasaranga picked up 26 wickets at an average of 10.00 during the calendar month.

Wanindu Hasaranga and Ashleigh Gardner in action. ( Image Source :Getty )

The International Cricket Council declared the winners of the ICC Player of the Month awards for June 2023. Where Sri Lanka’s got to spinner Wanindu Hasaranga emerged as the winner. The Lankan spinner played a crucial role in his side’s successful ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier campaign.  While on the other hand, Australia’s star all-rounder Ashleigh Gardner won the ICC Women’s Player of the Month award. Following an outstanding performance in the first Women’s Ashes, she got selected for the award.

Hasaranga picked up 26 wickets at an average of 10.00 during the calendar month. Talking about the Qualifier, Wanindu picked six wickets in the tournament opener against the  United Arab Emirates, followed by five for 13 and five for 79 against Oman and Ireland. The Lankan spinner also became the first bowler in history to take three back-to-back five-wicket hauls in ODI cricket.

“I am extremely happy with this award, and it comes at an important moment for Sri Lanka Cricket after we made it to the Cricket World Cup in India. I am privileged and honoured to have been chosen as the ICC Men’s Player of the Month,” said Hasaranga.

Speaking about Gardner’s performance, it was at the Trent Bridge where her team started off with a comfortable 89-run win. She then continued by putting up 40 runs in Australia’s first innings and also took four wickets against England. Despite not making a mark with the bat, Gardner’s exceptional bowling created a difference as she scalped eight wickets for 66  which happens to be the best figures for Australia in a women’s Test.

“Thank you to everyone who voted me the ICC Women’s Player of the Month.

“To win an Ashes Test match at Trent Bridge was a special moment for our team and I’m happy I was able to contribute towards the win. 

“Winning a Test match overseas is one of the biggest challenges in cricket; it’s certainly a game that we will remember for a long time to come.

“The women’s Ashes series has seen record-breaking crowds in England, it’s an exciting time for our sport and I’m thrilled to be part of it.”