Cricket / Ajaz Patel Named ICC Mens Player Of The Month For December

Cricket | The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Monday announced the best player for the month of December. The ICC has selected Ejaz Patel as the winner of the ICC Men's Player of the Month Award for December 2021. New Zealand's Ajaz Patel created history by taking 10 wickets in an innings against India at the Wankhede in December. New Zealand spinner Ejaz Patel became only the third player in Tests after Jim Laker and Anil Kumble to achieve the feat.

Mumbai-born Ejaz Patel took all 10 wickets in the first innings against India and four in the second innings, which included openers Mayank Agarwal and Cheteshwar Pujara. Patel took 14 wickets conceding 225 runs in the match, which is the best bowling figures in a Test match in 2021.

Apart from Ejaz, Indian opener Mayank Agarwal and Ashes series-playing Australian bowler Mitchell Starc were also named ICC Player of the Month.

Commenting on Patel's performance, JP Duminy, member of the ICC Voting Academy, said, "What a historic achievement! Taking 10 wickets in an innings is an achievement that should be celebrated. There is no doubt that Ijaz's performance is a great achievement." One that will be remembered for years to come."