After their impressive performances for England during the Ashes 2023, all-rounder Chris Woakes as well as opening batter Zak Crawley competed for the apex cricket body’s Men’s Player of the Month Award for July 2023. Following his achievements during the ODI World Cup qualification campaign, Bas van Leede of the Netherlands was also in the running against the two England stars.
With a great performance for England while opening the batting during the Ashes series, resulting in a 2-2 tie, Zak Crawley blocked out external noise and made a point. Prior to the Ashes, there were doubts over Crawley’s spot in the team, however the England opener went out swinging and paid back the faith that captain Ben Stokes as well as head coach Brendon McCullum had in him.
Chris Woakes’ incredible display wins him the Player of the Month
Chris Woakes only participated in three Tests after being added to the contentious Ashes series during the third Test at Headingley. Alongside Stuart Broad as well as Mitchell Starc, he took 19 wickets over the course of his three Test matches, placing him third overall. Woakes’ influence on the series extended beyond his bowling performance.
Out of the spotlight, he demonstrated his worth as a player by consistently producing match-winning displays for England. His inclusion during the Ashes 2023 proved a turning point that sparked England’s series comeback. Woakes won the Compton-Miller medal as a result of his remarkable performance in the Ashes.
After winning the award, the all-rounder spoke about his performance in the past month. He said, “It’s very nice to have been voted ICC Men’s Player of the Month for July. Everything we did in the Ashes was a team effort, and no individual awards would be possible without everyone else doing their job but it’s always nice to be recognised, especially when it’s a public vote. It was a great series, and I’m just very happy that it captured the imagination and attention of the public so much. It was great to have so much support and it was a hugely enjoyable series to play in.”
Fans react to Chris Woakes winning Player of the Month for July for incredible display during Ashes 2023:
Chris Woakes wins Player Of The Month award for July.
A grand comeback by Woakes…!! pic.twitter.com/P64nTdEq5H
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) August 15, 2023
He is very valuable in Swinging Pitches
— Dipesh (@V_JaaaaaaaaN45) August 15, 2023
The worst ever decision in icc history.
This shows what value is left for associate countries,it was de leedes award and he deserved it WC ticket is a far greater achievement than anything else.— Ghanishth Ahuja (@AhujaGhanishth) August 15, 2023
Kisi aur country me hota to regulary teeno format khelta
— Cricket_Tweets (@NiharRa30315128) August 15, 2023
Most handsome bowler
— Vinay (@11O12OO2) August 15, 2023
Economy???
— 175* (@175of228) August 15, 2023
Well done???
— msd_stan (@bdrijalab) August 15, 2023
Player of the month @chriswoakes ?? pic.twitter.com/Z2AgHQr7qU
— Steve ? (@Steve_AK_) August 15, 2023
