Shamar Joseph becomes first West Indian to become ICC Player Of The Month after Gabba heroics

Shamar Joseph becomes first West Indian to become ICC Player Of The Month after Gabba heroics

Shamar Joseph rounded of an incredible debut month for the West Indies by becoming the first player from the Caribbean to win the prestigious ICC Player Of The Month award for January 2024.

The West Indies pacer beat Ollie Pope and Josh Hazlewood to bag the award.

Shamar delivered a sensational performance during the series against Australia that made the world take notice of the pacer. Despite being a newcomer to international cricket, his impact was immediate and profound. In a dramatic day-night Test match at the Gabba in Brisbane, he achieved a remarkable feat by taking 7 wickets for 68 runs, propelling the West Indies to their first Test victory on Australian soil in 27 years.

Joseph’s heroics came despite suffering a toe injury from a Mitchell Starc yorker, which had him hobbling off the field the previous day. Yet, he overcame the pain to dismantle the Australian batting lineup with sheer pace, reaching speeds close to 150 kph (93 mph).

Shamar would end up as the Player Of The Series, having picked a five-wicket haul in the first Test as well.

Feels special: Shamar Joseph on winning ICC Player Of The Month award

Speaking after winning the award, Shamar said it felt special to claim it and he enjoyed every moment of playing the series in Australia. The pacer also dedicated the award to his teammates and the fans.

“I am extremely delighted to win this award. To get such an award on the world stage feels special. I totally enjoyed every moment of that experience playing for West Indies in Australia, especially the magic of the final day at the Gabba. Taking the wicket to win the match was a dream!”

“It was a truly memorable moment for me, and I just want to continue to work hard and deliver more match-winning performances for the West Indies with the ball; and when required also with the bat.”

“I want to say special thanks to the teammates and support staff in Australia who backed me from the start to get the job done. I will be the one receiving the award, but this is also for the team, and all the fans in the West Indies as well,” said Shamar.

Shamar is all set to play in the upcoming edition of the IPL 2024 as he was roped in by the Lucknow Super Giants as a replacement for Mark Wood.

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