Prabath Jayasuriya, the Srilanka spinner has had an incredible start to his international cricket career as he is named the ICC Men’s Player of the Month for July 2022. After a stellar start to international cricket’s longest format, Jayasuriya defeated French sensation Gustav McKeon and England batsman Jonny Bairstow to earn the prized monthly award.
Jayasuriya said, “I am delighted with this announcement, and wish to thank the fans for voting me as the ICC Men’s Player of the Month. Certainly, it has been an incredible month for me, as I made the Test debut, and also got the opportunity to contribute for my team to level the Test series played against Australia and Pakistan. I take this opportunity to thank my fans, teammates, coaches, family, and friends for helping my journey, and thrilled with what I am experiencing at this moment in my life.”
Jayasuriya became Sri Lanka’s new spin hero after playing in one of the greatest Test debuts ever. With scores of 6/118 and 6/59, the spinner helped Sri Lanka rally against Australia in Galle to tie the two-match Test series. His actions contributed to the hosts’ innings-and-39-run victory against the guests.
He maintained his form throughout the Pakistani Test series. With statistics of 5/82 and 4/135, Jayasuriya was the most dangerous bowler for the hosts even though Sri Lanka lost the series opener in Galle to Babar Azam and company.
In just three Test matches, Jayasuriya won his fourth five-wicket haul against Pakistan in the second Test. He recorded figures of 5/117 in the second innings after 3/80 in the first, helping Sri Lanka cruise to a 246-run victory and tie the series.
With his efforts, Jayasuriya amassed four five-wicket hauls in just three Test matches and four in six innings, which is an absolutely incredible record. The 30-year-old left-arm spinner received the trophy to cap off a brilliant debut in the international arena. He will be looking to repeat such performances throughout upcoming Test matches.
Irfan Pathan, a previous member of the India quick and voting panel, said Jayasuriya was unquestionably a standout in his opinion throughout the month of July despite his amazement at the efforts of all three nominees. “Being a newcomer to Test cricket and starting with two five-wicket hauls in your first match is extraordinary, and it’s all the more impressive against a team like Australia,” Pathan said.
Prabath Jayasuriya Named ICC Men’s Player of the Month July 2022
