Jonny Bairstow, an excellent hitter for England, was named the ICC Men's Player of the Month for June 2022 on Monday. For the first time, Bairstow wins this prize, defeating New Zealand all-rounder Daryl Mitchell and colleague Joe Root.
Following a month of standout performances in his team's 3-0 ICC World Test Championship (WTC) series victory over the defending champions New Zealand, Bairstow was named the winner.
Despite a slow start at Lord's, Bairstow put on a display of explosive hitting in his second innings knock of 136 to win the second Test at Trent Bridge against all odds. He also broke the record for the second-fastest century ever recorded by an English batter in the longest version of the game.
His success continued into the series finale at Headingley, where he sealed the series victory in an equally spectacular manner with scores of 162 and 71 not out. This has since propelled him to the top of the ICC Test Batter Rankings.
I'd want to express my gratitude to the supporters for choosing me as the ICC Men's Player of the Month. England has had a remarkable five weeks. Our summer has gotten off to a good start with four outstanding victories over elite opponents from New Zealand and India.
"As a team, we are having fun playing cricket and are acting confidently. Despite the fact that I have scored four centuries during this time, I would like to thank my teammates for being outstanding in every way and playing with such confidence "Bairstow stated.
Bairstow's extraordinary run continued into July, when his side won the fifth Test against India at Edgbaston after it was postponed, thanks to twin centuries of 106 and 114 not out, which allowed them to complete a record-breaking run chase of 378 runs to get home.
As a result of his ongoing dominance, Bairstow is already in the running to win the ICC Men's Player of the Month honour for July 2022.
"With his counterattacking knock, which altered the dynamic of the series against the World Test Champions, Jonny played a crucial role as the aggressor and helped England win the series. These individuals are unique in Test cricket, and he certainly merits this honour, in my opinion "said ICC Player of the Month voting panel member and former Sri Lankan bowler Farveez Maharoof.
As of right now, Bairstow has scored the most runs in Test cricket this year with 994 runs at an average of 76.46, including six centuries and a fifty, in eight games. After taking a break from the recently finished T20I series, he will next be seen playing in the ODIs against India, which begin on Tuesday at The Oval.