Ace India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has been named as the ICC Player of the Month award for February, the International Cricket Council (ICC) announced on Tuesday.
It was Ashwin’s all-round performances in the recently concluded home series against England which helped him surpass England skipper Joe Root and West Indies’ batsman Kyle Mayers to bag the award.
“Ashwin’s consistent wicket taking, even in helpful conditions have helped to put his team ahead in a very important series. His century in the second Test was as critical as it came when England were trying to claw their way back into the match. That knock ensured that India shut the door on the opposition,” said former West Indies fast bowler Ian Bishop, representing the ICC Voting Academy, in a statement.
“Three half centuries of which two were in helping her team win the match was outstanding from Beaumont. Particular emphasis on the fact that two of the knocks were unbeaten innings, and coming inevitably, on two occasions whilst having lost her opening partner early on, she had to see things through for her team, which was incredible,” he added.
Significantly, Ashwin, was the highest wicket-taker in the series with 32 scalps, had played a crucial role both with bat and ball, helping India win the series 3-1.
He had also scored a century in the second Test in Chennai.
On the other hand, England opener Tammy Beaumont won the ICC Women’s Player of the Month for February.