West Indies cricket has been given a major boost after Justin Greaves and Hayley Matthews were both named ICC Players of the Month for July following outstanding performances for the region.

It is the first time two West Indies players have received the monthly honours in the same month and only the fifth time since the awards were introduced in January 2021 that two players from the same region have been recognised together.

For Greaves, the award caps a breakthrough period in Test cricket for the Barbadian all-rounder, who has become an increasingly important member of the West Indies middle order while also making an impact with the ball.

His standout performance came against Sri Lanka at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua, where he scored 180 from 325 deliveries in an innings lasting more than eight and a half hours. His knock included 14 fours and two sixes and helped West Indies secure a draw in the second Test and a historic 1-0 series victory — their first Test series win over Sri Lanka in 26 years.

Greaves was named Player of the Match and Player of the Series.

He continued his impressive form against Pakistan, producing a career-best match haul of seven wickets for 39 runs in the opening Test at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy.

His first-innings figures of 5-27 included five consecutive wicket-maidens, a feat achieved for the first time in Test cricket, as West Indies secured a 90-run victory.

“I have had a memorable month playing at home, and to have contributed with both bat and ball against Sri Lanka and Pakistan has been particularly special for me,” Greaves said.

“Having impactful performances in Test cricket is always something I will cherish, especially when they come in front of our home fans.”

Greaves finished the month with 294 runs at an average of 49 and 11 wickets.

Matthews, meanwhile, continued her outstanding international career with a dominant showing during the West Indies Women’s 3-0 ODI series sweep of Ireland.

The West Indies captain scored 265 runs at an average of 132.50 and was named Player of the Series.

She opened the series with a century and a record-breaking opening partnership with Realanna Grimmond as West Indies successfully chased Ireland’s total of 269.

Matthews then hit another century in the second ODI, becoming the first West Indies player to score centuries in consecutive women’s ODIs.

The latest honour is Matthews’ fifth ICC Player of the Month award, further cementing her status among the leading players in women’s international cricket.

“I am thrilled to win the ICC Player of the Month award once again,” Matthews said.

“It is just as special as the previous ones, and I hope it inspires me to keep raising my standards, contributing to the West Indies, and winning more such awards in the future.”