DUBAI, United Arab Emirates – All-rounders Justin Greaves and Hayley Matthews have achieved a rare feat by capturing the ICC’s Player of the Month awards for July.
Justin Greaves (left) and Hayley MatthewsIt marks the first time that both awards have been won by West Indies players simultaneously and is only the fifth time since the awards began in January 2021 that players from the same nation have secured both honours.
The 32-year-old Greaves beat out England’s Harry Brook and Tanzid Hasan of Bangladesh for the coveted prize, while Matthews, the West Indies Women’s captain, overcame challenges from England’s Nat Sciver-Brunt and Sri Lanka’s Harshitha Samarawickrama.
Greaves claimed the award after starring in successive Test series against Sri Lanka and Pakistan and was named Player-of-the-Series on both occasions.
His first act came against Sri Lanka, where facing a tall first innings total of 549 for nine declared, Greaves scored a magnificent 180 to help the Windies get closer to the Sri Lankan total. His performance, which included 14 fours and two sixes, eventually ensured that West Indies drew the Test and secured a 1-0 series win.
His second memorable act, came with the ball, when he ran through the talented Pakistan batting lineup in Trinidad, picking up his maiden five-wicket haul.
Greaves bowled five consecutive wicket maidens during his feat, a spell which reduced Pakistan from 244 for four to 267 for nine, and eventually handed West Indies a crucial first innings advantage.
He returned in the second innings to collect back-to-back wickets in his first two overs, making it seven scalps from seven consecutive overs in the Test match. West Indies bowled out Pakistan for 120 to secure a 90-run win.
“I have had a memorable month playing at home, and to have contributed with both bat and ball against Sri Lanka and Pakistan has been particularly special for me.
“Having impactful performances in Test cricket is always something I will cherish, especially when they come in front of our home fans,” Greaves said.
“I am pleased to have played my part in some important performances for the team, and I hope I can continue to make meaningful contributions. I thank my team-mates and team staff for their support and look forward to building on this momentum in the coming months.”
