England hero Jonny Bairstow has been named ICC men's player of the month after scoring two brilliant centuries in the recent 3-0 series whitewash over New Zealand.
Bairstow scored a total of 394 runs at an average of 78.80 and a frankly ridiculous strike-rate of 120.12, including match winning innings of 136 in the second Test at Trent Bridge and an unbeaten 71 in the third Test at Headingley.
The 32-year-old then continued his stunning form with two centuries in the rescheduled final Test against India as England levelled the series.
"I would like to thank the fans for voting for me as the ICC Men's Player of the Month," Bairstow said. "It has been an incredible five weeks for England.
"It has been a positive start to our summer with four excellent wins against high-class opposition in New Zealand and India. We are enjoying our cricket as a team and playing with clarity and positivity.
"Even though I have scored four centuries in this period, I would like to acknowledge my teammates who have been excellent in every department and playing with immense confidence."
Bairstow beat England teammate Joe Root and New Zealand star Daryl Mitchell to the award and was lauded as a "special" player by former Sri Lanka star Farveez Maharoof, who was part of the voting panel.
"Jonny played the pivotal role of the aggressor and was instrumental in winning the series for England with his counter-attacking knock which changed the complexion of the series against the World Test Champions.
"These kinds of players are special in Test cricket, and in my opinion, he fully deserves this recognition."
