Ireland’s Harry Tector became the first men’s player from the country to win the ICC Men’s Player of the Month for May 2023. He beat out competition from Pakistan captain Babar Azam and Bangladesh’s Najmul Hossain Shanto.
23-year-old Tector continued to prove he is the present and future of Ireland’s team, in spite of the disappointing end to their Super League campaign.
Reaching 21* before the rain came down during the first ODI against Bangladesh in Chelmsford, Tector thundered in the second ODI to smash a career-best 140 from just 113 balls with seven fours and an astonishing 10 sixes.
He had walked out when Ireland was 16/2 and along with George Dockrell (74* from 47 balls) propelled Ireland to 319 in the 45-over innings. However, Ireland lost the game thanks to an equally stunning knock from Najmul Hossain Shanto.
The Ireland batter backed up his credentials with a knock of 45 from 48 balls in the third ODI and Bangladesh.
Harry Tector Thanks Captain Andrew Balbirnie, Coach Heinrich Malan And Ireland Team
Speaking to ICC, Tector expressed his delight at getting the award as he became the first Irish player to win the ICC accolade. However, the 23-year-old said that the award was a reflection on the performances and progress made by Ireland.
“I’m delighted with the Award and would like to thank those who voted for me, however, cricket is a team sport first-and-foremost, so the Award is more a reflection on the performances and progress of the Ireland Men’s squad.
Without the support of Heinrich [Malan], Andrew [Balbirnie] and the dedicated group of coaches and players I work with, I wouldn’t have been able to win this Award,” Tector told ICC.
Harry Tector has played 4 Tests, 32 ODIs, and 52 T20Is for Ireland since his debut in 2019. He has 336, 1280, and 969 runs respectively.
“While Laura [Delany] and Eimear [Richardson] have won the Women’s equivalent, this is the first time an Irish player has picked up the Men’s Award. While a personal privilege, I believe it won’t be too much longer until more Irish players are being recognised this way.
Thanks to the ICC – but I’m sure you’ll understand that this will only be a brief moment of reflection as we have a crucial Qualifier starting in a matter of days, and our focus will be solely on that over the coming weeks,” he added.