• Proteas spinner Keshav Maharaj was voted ICC Player of the Month for April.
• Maharaj led the Proteas attack as the spinner captured 16 wickets in the two-match Test series against Bangladesh.
• Australia opener Alyssa Healy was named the women’s cricketer of the month.

Star Proteas spinner Keshav Maharaj has been named ICC Player of the Month for April after his performance against Bangladesh in the two-match Test series.

Maharaj was nominated alongside fellow spinner compatriot Simon Harmer and Oman batter Jatinder Singh.

Last month, South Africa won the Test series 2-0 against Bangladesh thanks to Maharaj and Harmer’s stellar performances.

The spin duo captured 29 of the 40 Bangladesh wickets, with Maharaj taking 7/30 and 7/40 in the two Tests.

Maharaj ended as the highest wicket-taker of the series, ending with 16 wickets at an average of 12.12.

His exploits weren’t just with the ball either, with Maharaj scoring an attacking 84 with the bat during the second Test in Port Elizabeth.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) announced the introduction of the monthly awards, which will “recognise and celebrate the best performances of both male and female cricketers across all forms” throughout the year.

ICC Voting Academy member Duminy said in an ICC press release: “A simply outstanding few weeks showcasing true grit and determination.

“Exceptional to see him work in tandem with Simon Harmer in exploiting the skills that we’ve always known to be there.”

Fellow voting panel member Lisa Sthalekar echoed Duminy’s sentiments, with the Australian legend making a note of Maharaj’s valuable late runs with the bat.

“He was a key member to the success of the series for South Africa,” said the ICC Hall of Famer, Sthalekar.

“The amount of wickets at crucial times was exceptional and late runs was one of the main reasons for their success.”

Meanwhile, Australia star batter Alyssa Healy won the women’s award after scoring 170 from just 138 deliveries in the World Cup final to guide Australia to the title.

Healy sealed the award and beat England batter Nat Sciver and Uganda all-rounder Janet Mbabazi.

Duminy made special mention of Healy’s strong determination and character.

“A performance that has certainly taken the world by storm and to do it in a final says a lot about the character of this woman,” said Duminy.

“A pioneer in the woman’s game that has set the bar extremely high.”