Image Source: AFP
ICC Player of the Month (July 2026): West Indies Dominance – Justin Greaves and Hayley Matthews Named Best Players
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced the 'Player of the Month' awards for July 2026. This time, West Indies players have swept the honors in both categories. Star all-rounder Justin Greaves (Men's) and captain Hayley Matthews (Women's) have been awarded the title of Player of the Month for July. Both players achieved this feat through outstanding all-round performances with both bat and ball.
Justin Greaves: Making Waves with Bat and Ball in Test Cricket
Justin Greaves secured the Men's category award by delivering match-winning performances in two major Test matches played in July:
- A Rescue Innings Against Sri Lanka: In response to Sri Lanka's massive score of 549/9, West Indies was struggling at 144/4 when Greaves played a marathon innings of 180 runs (14 fours, 2 sixes) to help secure a draw. Thanks to this performance, West Indies won the home series 1-0 and earned crucial WTC points.
- Lethal Bowling Against Pakistan: In the Tarouba Test, Greaves claimed the first five-wicket haul of his career. He dismantled Pakistan's middle order while bowling five consecutive maiden overs. By claiming two wickets in the first two overs of the second innings as well, she completed a haul of seven wickets across a continuous seven-over spell, helping the West Indies secure a 90-run victory.
- Greaves was named 'Player of the Match' in both of these Test matches.
Hayley Matthews: Wins ICC Women's Player of the Month Award for the 5th Time
West Indies women's cricket team captain Hayley Matthews claimed this honor for the fifth time following a historic performance in the ODI series against Ireland. She won the title by surpassing England's Nat Sciver-Brunt and Sri Lanka's Harshitha Samarawickrama.
- Brilliant Batting: She scored a total of 265 runs across three ODIs at an average of 132.50 and a strike rate of 117.25; this included an unbeaten 159 in the first ODI and a century (100 runs) in the second.
- Effective Bowling: She claimed a total of seven wickets throughout the series at an impressive bowling average of 17.57.
- Thanks to her all-round captaincy performance, the West Indies achieved a 3-0 clean sweep against Ireland.
