ICC Men's Emerging Cricketer of the Year 2024 nominees announced, Saim Ayub features

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced four nominees for the Men's Emerging Cricketer of the Year award for this year. The Emerging Cricketer of the Year award nominees are Pakistan's Saim Ayub, Sri Lanka's Kamindu Mendis, West Indies pacer Shamar Joseph, and England's Gus Atkinson.

Saim Ayub, Kamindu, Shamar, and Gus were shortlisted after their heroics for their respective international teams across formats in 2024. Two seamers made impressive Test debuts, while the Sri Lanka batter matched Don Bradman's feat and the Pakistan opener played a key role in historic victories in recent times.

ICC Men's Emerging Cricketer of the Year 2024 nominees: Gus Atkinson Made Test Debut for England Against West Indies in July 2024

Gus Atkinson made his Test debut for the England team against the West Indies in July 2024. The right-arm pacer has taken 52 wickets in 11 Tests at an impressive average of 22.15. Atkinson recorded figures of 7/45 against the West Indies at Lord’s, followed by a five-wicket haul in the second innings.

His performance earned him Player of the Match. Atkinson also played a crucial role in England’s first Test series win in New Zealand since 2008, taking 12 wickets across three matches. He scored his maiden Test century against Sri Lanka. His 12/106 is the fourth-best debutant bowling figures in men’s Tests.

ICC Men's Emerging Cricketer of the Year 2024 nominees: Kamindu Mendis Equaled Don Bradman's Record in Tests

Kamindu Mendis had an outstanding 2024, scoring 1451 runs in 32 matches at an average of 50.03. He became the third-fastest to score 1000 runs in men’s Tests, equaling Sir Don Bradman’s record of 13 innings. Mendis amassed 1049 runs from nine matches at an average of 74.92, including five centuries.

Mendis was also the leading run-scorer for Sri Lanka on their tour of England, scoring 267 runs. He scored a half-century in Sri Lanka's first Test win in England in a decade. One of his memorable performances was in a 2-0 home series win over New Zealand, where he scored a career-best unbeaten 182 runs.

ICC Men's Emerging Cricketer of the Year 2024 nominees: Saim Ayub Won Player of the Series in 3-0 Clean Sweep Win in South Africa

Saim Ayub scored 515 runs in nine ODIs at an average of 64.37. The left-handed opener played a crucial role in Pakistan's victories in Australia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa in preparation for the ICC Champions Trophy. He scored two centuries in South Africa and earned Player of the Series in a 3-0 clean sweep.

Also, Saim Ayub helped Pakistan win their first ODI series in Australia in 22 years. Apart from his batting, he took five wickets with an economy rate of 4.63. Saim Ayub's memorable performance came in a match against South Africa in Paarl, where the southpaw scored 109 runs off 119 balls, including 10 fours and three sixes.

Shamar Joseph Helped West Indies Secure Victory Over Australia at Gabba

Shamar Joseph quickly made a name for himself after debuting on the Australia tour. Joseph helped the West Indies win their first Test match in Australia since 1997. He took 13 wickets in his first Test series, including two fifers. He also claimed 12 wickets in the home series against Bangladesh and South Africa.

Joseph’s most memorable performance came during a historic win at the Gabba, where the Windies became only the second team to defeat Australia there since 1989. He took 7 wickets for 68 runs with the pink ball as the West Indies won by eight runs and leveled the series 1-1. He earned Player of the Series.

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