Harry Brook (Source: AFP)In a significant development, a star West Indies all-rounder won the ICC Men’s Player of the Month award for July 2026 on August 18. It is worth noting that the West Indies star left behind England captain Harry Brook and Bangladesh opener Tanzid Hasan, who were also shortlisted for the prestigious award.Justin Greaves Wins ICC Player Of The Month For July 2026The West Indies enjoyed a memorable month as Justin Greaves and captain Hayley Matthews won the men's and women's Player of the Month awards, respectively.Greaves impressed in Test cricket during the home series against Sri Lanka and Pakistan. Against Sri Lanka, he made a crucial 180 off 325 balls at a strike rate of 54.46 and an average of 91.50 in the second Test at North Sound. West Indies were under pressure after Sri Lanka posted 549, but his outstanding innings helped the hosts save the match and eventually win the two-match series 1-0.In the Test against Pakistan, Justin Greaves made 111 runs in 4 innings at an average of 27.75 and a strike rate of 43.19. He also contributed with the ball and bagged a total of 7 wickets in two innings at an economy rate of 2.44.Also Read: Dwayne Bravo To Be Inducted Into Hall Of Fame Alongside West Indies GreatJustin Greaves said: “I have had a memorable month playing at home, and to have contributed with both bat and ball against Sri Lanka and Pakistan has been particularly special for me. Having impactful performances in Test cricket is always something I will cherish, especially when they come in front of our home fans.“I am pleased to have played my part in some important performances for the team, and I hope I can continue to make meaningful contributions. I thank my team-mates and team staff for their support and look forward to building on this momentum in the coming months.”Why Was Justin Greaves Selected Ahead Of Harry Brook For ICC Player Of The Month For July 2026?Justin Greaves was selected ahead of Harry Brook because of the all-round impact he made in Test cricket during July. Greaves contributed significantly with both bat and ball, producing strong performances against Sri Lanka and Pakistan.Taking a look at Harry Brook’s stats in July, in the T20I series against India, the star player made 229 runs in 4 innings at an average of 114.50 and 214.02.Hayley Matthews Wins 5th ICC Player Of The Month AwardAlongside Justin Greaves, Hayley Matthews also received the ICC Women’s Player of the Month award for July 2026. She was named alongside Nat Sciver-Brunt and Harshitha Samarawickrama.In July, Hayley Matthews made an important impact for the team against Ireland Women. In three innings, she made 265 runs at a strike rate of 117.26 and an average of 132.50. She made centuries in the first two games: in the first ODI, she made 159 off 123 balls, and in the second, she made 100 off 94 balls.She also contributed with the ball and took 7 wickets in three innings at an economy rate of 4.10.Hayley Matthews said: “I am thrilled to win the ICC Player of the Month award once again. It is just as special as the previous ones, and I hope it inspires me to keep raising my standards, contributing to the West Indies, and winning more such awards in the future.“It is an exciting time for women’s cricket, with more attention and interest than ever before. I am proud to contribute to its growth through my performances and thank the ICC for its continued support of the women’s game.”West Indies Create History With Double Award WinThe July 2026 awards marked the first time that players from the West Indies won both the men's and women's ICC Player of the Month awards in the same month. It was only the fifth time since the awards were introduced in January 2021 that players from the same country achieved the double.Also Read: Sanjay Manjrekar, Murali Kartik's Fun Banter Turns Into Ugly Spat During IND vs SL 1st Test
