Pakistan’s left-arm spinner Noman Ali has been shortlisted for the ICC Men’s Player of the Month award for October 2024, recognized for his stellar performances in the ICC World Test Championship.
The nominees feature three key wicket-takers who excelled in their recent Test series, including Noman, whose impactful bowling led Pakistan to a remarkable comeback win against England. Returning to Test cricket in October at age 38, Noman took 20 wickets at an impressive average of 13.85 across two Tests in Multan and Rawalpindi, securing his first-ever nomination for this ICC honor.
Noman, alongside Sajid Khan, posed a constant challenge on spin-friendly pitches, especially dominating in the second innings of each Test, where he took eight for 46 and six for 42 to drive Pakistan’s comeback victory. He also contributed valuable runs, notably with a 45-run knock in the first innings of the final Test.
Also nominated is New Zealand’s Mitchell Santner, who steered his team to a historic series win over India. Playing only one Test in October, Santner’s impressive seven for 53 in the first innings and six for 104 in the second during the Pune Test guided New Zealand to a 113-run victory, marking their first series win on Indian soil.
Kagiso Rabada rounds out the nominees after reclaiming the top position in the ICC Men’s Test Bowling Rankings. Rabada’s standout performance during South Africa’s series win in Bangladesh included taking his 300th Test wicket and delivering match-winning figures of six for 46 in the second innings of the first Test.
The ICC Voting Academy, along with fans worldwide, will cast their votes to select the winner, with the results set to be revealed next week.
