An up-and-coming English prodigy has been named the ICC Men’s Player of the Month for February 2023, earning the prestigious accolade for the second time in his brief career.
Harry Brook, an up-and-coming English cricketer, has won the award, besting India all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja and West Indies spinner Guddih Motie.
Brook’s burgeoning Test career reached new heights in February, when he scored two fifties and a hundred. In his first match of the month, an ODI against South Africa, the 24-year-old scored just six runs.
He kept up the pace after transitioning to Test cricket, where his achievements on the Pakistan trip earned him the ICC Men’s Player of the Month award for December 2022.
Brook achieved half-centuries in both innings of the first Test against New Zealand at Mount Maunganui. Brook, who batted at number five in the first innings, hit 15 fours and a six in a scorching 89 from 81 deliveries.
Brook got a quick 54 from 41 balls in the second dig, hitting seven fours and two sixes. He was named Player of the Match for his performance in England’s resounding victory.
Brook’s personal situation improved further in the second Test in Wellington. Yorkshire batsman walked in at a perilous 21/3 in England’s first innings and hammered a career-best 186 from 176 balls, including 24 fours and five sixes.
His 302 run partnership with Joe Root helped England take the lead. His medium pace also got him his first game wicket, that of famed New Zealand hitter Kane Williamson.
Brook was unlucky to receive a diamond duck in the second inning, as England went on to lose by one run. Yet, his efforts earned him the Player of the Series honour.
“To receive this award twice in a few of months is a wonderful honour,” Brook stated after earning the prize for the second time. I’d want to thank my teammates and the management of the England teams for their encouragement and support in allowing me to play to my strengths.
“It’s been a terrific start to the year, and I’m hoping we can build on what will be a major summer and winter for the Men’s sides, with the Ashes and a desire to win the 50-over ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in India in the fall, for both of which I hope to be a part of the teams.”
