Sophie, Conway win ICC Player of Month award

New Delhi: England spinner Sophie Ecclestone edged out India’s teen batting sensation Shafali Verma and all-rounder Sneh Rana to become the ICC Player of the Month for June, while New Zealand opener Devon Conway bagged the honour in the men’s category.

Left-arm spinner Ecclestone thus became the second English female to win the award after Tammy Beaumont, who was crowned in February.

Ecclestone, a winner of the annual ICC Emerging Player of the Year award in 2018, was the most successful bowler in the one-off Test against India in Bristol, where she finished with an eight-wicket haul. She also grabbed three wickets each in the two ODIs which followed.

In men’s section, Conway became the maiden New



Zealand player to win the award after an astounding first month in Test cricket.

The left-hander had cracked a solid double century on debut against England at Lord’s, following it up with two half-centuries in his next two games, including in the World Test Championship final against India.

Conway won the award ahead of team-mate Kyle Jamieson, who was the Player of the Match in the WTC final, with South Africa’s Quinton de Kock the other nominee for his fine performances on their tour of the West Indies.

“I’m truly honoured to win this award. That I have received it for my performances in Test cricket makes it extra special,” Conway said.