Joseph lands ICC Player-of-the-Month honour
FAST-BOWLING SENSATION Shamar Joseph has been crowned the International Cricket Council’s Player of the Month for January, becoming the first West Indian to claim the award since its inception.
The honour comes following his outstanding performances in the two-Test series against Australia last month when he claimed 13 wickets to be adjudged Man of the Series.
His defining moment came in the final Test i n Brisbane when he snatched seven for 68 in an astonishing spell on the penultimate morning, to bowl West Indies to an eight-run win and their first Test victory on Australian soil in nearly three decades.
“I am extremely delighted to win this award. To get such an award on the world stage feels special,” said the 24-year-old.
“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.”
Joseph was picked for the tour Down Under after only five firstclass matches but made an instant impact with a five-wicket haul in the first innings of the opening Test in Adelaide, which West Indies lost by 10 wickets.
With only his first delivery in international cricket, he knocked over elite stroke-maker Steve Smith, before going on to claim the prized scalps of Marnus Labuschagne and century-maker Travis Head, as he scythed through the Australian innings.