DUBAI: England fast bowler Gus Atkinson was crowned ICC Men’s Player of the Month for the Month of July on Monday, owing to his brilliant performance in the Test series against West Indies.
The ICC Player of the Month award acknowledges the magnificent individual performers on the international stage.
Gus Atkinson claimed the prestigious award after beating off stiff competition from India’s off-spinner Washington Sundar and Scotland’s pace bowler Charlie Cassell.
The 26-year-old fast bowler was proud and grateful to have received the Player of the Month award.
“It is a real privilege to win the ICC Player of the Month! The start to my Test career has been unbelievable, and I never imagined achieving this level of success in my first series with England,” Atkinson said.
He also expressed his appreciation to England captain Ben Stokes and red-ball head coach Brendon McCullum for establishing a positive and competitive atmosphere in the team’s dressing room.
“I am incredibly grateful to my teammates and the fantastic environment created by Baz (Brendon McCullum) and Stokesy (Ben Stokes),” he added.
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“It’s an honour to play and represent my country. I know there is a lot of hard work ahead, especially with a big series against Sri Lanka coming up. I’m excited to maintain consistency and do my best to help England succeed,” he further added.
Atkinson left a lasting impression on his Test debut, which was also legendary James Anderson’s farewell international match.
The express pacer dismantled the West Indian batting line-up as he claimed a five-wicket haul in each inning, returning with 12 wickets in the match.
He was adjudged man of the match for his heroics as England thumped West Indies by a massive margin of an innings and 114 runs.
The 26-year-old ran continued his impressive form in the subsequent games, taking 10 more wickets across the remaining two Tests.
He was key to England’s clean sweep victory and earned the Player of the Series award for taking 12 wickets.