ICC announces Men’s Player of the Month nominees for January

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A West Indies quick that burst onto the international cricket scene in style, an unsung hero of England's strong top-order and a consistent pacer from Australia have made the shortlist for the ICC Men's Player of the Month Award for January 2024.

Shamar Joseph (West Indies)

The right-armer made quite the impression during his introduction to Test cricket as he claimed the prized wicket of Australia batter Steve Smith with his very first delivery.

Joseph picked up another four Australia wickets on his way to sensational figures of 5-94 on debut in Adelaide and backed up this effort with decent scores of 36 and 15 coming into bat for his side at No.11.

Somehow Joseph produced an even better performance during the West Indies' upset victory over Australia in the second Test in Brisbane as he produced a spell for the ages to collect figures of 7-68 that helped the Caribbean side to their first Test triumph in Australia since 1997.

Through two Tests, Joseph has collated 57 runs at a decent batting clip of 28.50, having also taken 13 wickets at an imposing average of 17.30.

Ollie Pope (England)

The underrated right-hander produced a knock of the highest class as he amassed a magnificent 196 for England during the second innings of their upset victory over India in Hyderabad.

Pope managed just one during the first innings as India dominated the opening exchanges and the hosts were still in control when the England No.3 strode to the crease just before lunch on the third day of an enthralling contest.

While wickets continued to fall at the other end, Pope was unmovable as he amassed his highest Test score away from home and the fourth largest Test innings by an England men's player in India.

Pope was the last player out as England set India 231 for victory and a seven-wicket haul from debutant Tom Hartley ensured a memorable Test victory for the tourists.

Josh Hazlewood (Australia)

The ever-reliable Australia was at his consistent best during ICC World Test Championship action in January as he collected a total of 19 wickets at a miserly average of just 11.63.

Hazlewood's month commenced when he helped Australia clinch a 3-0 series sweep over Pakistan with a four-wicket haul in the second innings at the SCG and the right-armer backed up that effort with nine wickets for the match in total as the reigning World Test Championship winners eased past the West Indies in Adelaide.

Another five wickets followed for Hazlewood in the second Test against the Caribbean side at the Gabba, capping off an excellent month of January for the experienced Australian seamer.