Bangladesh left-arm spinner Taijul Islam’s

aspiration to win his maiden ICC award was dashed when Australian captain Pat
Cummins won the player of the month award for December.

Following his excellent performance in December that helped Bangladesh win
its landmark Test win against New Zealand at home, Taijul was strong
contender for the award but Cummins was outstanding. New Zealand’s Glenn
Phillips was the other nominee for this award.

The Australian captain capped a spectacular 2023 with the ICC Men’s Player of
the Month award for December, following a supreme bowling performance in his
side’s victorious Test series against Pakistan.

Cummins was at the forefront of Australia’s Test success over Pakistan in
December, demonstrating the leadership and bowling prowess which personified
Australia’s surge to success in 2023, winning their maiden World Test
Championship mace, and their sixth Men’s Cricket World Cup crown earlier in
the year.

The highlight of another spectacular month for Cummins came in the side’s
second Test victory over Pakistan in Melbourne. The pacer took ten wickets in
the match, which included an inspiring spell as the match approach a nervy
climax.

His five for 48 in the second innings included the prized wicket of a well-
set Mohammed Rizwan – Cummins’ 250th in the longest format – ensuring
Australia snatched victory in dramatic fashion.

-BSS.