Greaves, Matthews create history by winning Player of the Month Awards

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates – All-rounders Justin Greaves and Hayley Matthews have achieved a rare feat by capturing the ICC’s Player of the Month awards for July.

It marks the first time that both awards have been won by West Indies players simultaneously and is only the fifth time since the awards began in January 2021 that players from the same nation have secured both honours.

The 32-year-old Greaves beat out England’s Harry Brook and Tanzid Hasan of Bangladesh for the coveted prize, while Matthews, the West Indies Women’s captain, overcame challenges from England’s Nat Sciver-Brunt and Sri Lanka’s Harshitha Samarawickrama.

Greaves claimed the award after starring in successive Test series against Sri Lanka and Pakistan and was named Player-of-the-Series on both occasions.

His first act came against Sri Lanka, where facing a tall first innings total of 549 for nine declared, Greaves scored a magnificent 180 to help the Windies get closer to the Sri Lankan total. His performance, which included 14 fours and two sixes, eventually ensured that West Indies drew the Test and secured a 1-0 series win.

His second memorable act, came with the ball, when he ran through the talented Pakistan batting lineup in Trinidad, picking up his maiden five-wicket haul.

Greaves bowled five consecutive wicket maidens during his feat, a spell which reduced Pakistan from 244 for four to 267 for nine, and eventually handed West Indies a crucial first innings advantage.

He returned in the second innings to collect back-to-back wickets in his first two overs, making it seven scalps from seven consecutive overs in the Test match. West Indies bowled out Pakistan for 120 to secure a 90-run win.

“I have had a memorable month playing at home, and to have contributed with both bat and ball against Sri Lanka and Pakistan has been particularly special for me.

“Having impactful performances in Test cricket is always something I will cherish, especially when they come in front of our home fans,” Greaves said.

“I am pleased to have played my part in some important performances for the team, and I hope I can continue to make meaningful contributions. I thank my team-mates and team staff for their support and look forward to building on this momentum in the coming months.”

Meanwhile, his fellow Barbadian Matthews copped the award for a fifth time after a superb performance against Ireland Women in their One Day International series.

The 28-year-old Matthews had a prolific run for the West Indies in Ireland, scoring 265 runs over three games to secure a 3-0 series win for her team.

The all-rounder made an impact with both bat and ball in the opening game, claiming 3-52 in the first innings before smashing an unbeaten 159 in the chase, while sharing a record-breaking partnership with Realeanna Grimmond.

In the second ODI, she continued her fine run by bringing up back-to-back centuries, scoring an even 100 while also contributing with the ball through another important spell of 2-34.

Although she managed just six runs in the third ODI, Matthews once again proved her value as a complete all-rounder, taking 2-37 with the ball.

She finished with an impressive average of 132.50 and a strike rate of 117.25 and also took seven wickets at an average of 17.57.

“I am thrilled to win the ICC Player of the Month award once again. It is just as special as the previous ones, and I hope it inspires me to keep raising my standards, contributing to the West Indies, and winning more such awards in the future,” Matthews said.

“It is an exciting time for women’s cricket, with more attention and interest than ever before. I am proud to contribute to its growth through my performances and thank the ICC for its continued support of the women’s game.”

CMC