Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc has emerged as the headline nominee for the ICC Men’s Player of the Month award for December 2025, following a series of outstanding performances during the Ashes. Joining him on the shortlist are West Indies all-rounder Justin Greaves and New Zealand pacer Jacob Duffy, both of whom enjoyed stellar months for their respective teams.
Starc played a decisive role in Australia sealing the Ashes series in December, delivering impactful performances across the first three Tests at Perth, Brisbane and Adelaide. The left-arm quick picked up 16 wickets and also contributed valuable runs down the order, scoring 139 runs in the series.
His dominance was evident from the opening Test in Perth, where his 10-wicket match haul set the tone for an Australia-controlled series. Starc also chipped in with crucial half-centuries, underlining his growing value as a lower-order batter.
During the second Test in Brisbane, Starc’s fighting 77 helped Australia cross the 500-run mark in the first innings, paving the way for a commanding 177-run lead that England could not overcome. He followed it up with a six-wicket haul, finishing the match with eight wickets overall.
At Adelaide, Starc once again made vital contributions, scoring 54 runs in the first innings to help Australia post a competitive total of 371. He also claimed four wickets in the match. Although he took two wickets in each innings at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Australia suffered their first home Test defeat to England in 18 matches.
Justin Greaves’ Breakthrough Series
West Indies all-rounder Justin Greaves enjoyed a breakthrough Test series during the Windies’ tour of New Zealand. He amassed 283 runs at an average of 56.60 across three Tests, highlighted by a magnificent unbeaten 202 in Christchurch.
Greaves’ marathon knock, featuring a crucial partnership with Kemar Roach, saw the West Indies nearly pull off a historic chase of 531 runs, before the match ended in a dramatic draw. With the ball, he also contributed five wickets, averaging 48.80 over the series.
Jacob Duffy’s Record-Breaking Run
New Zealand pacer Jacob Duffy was the standout performer in the home Test series against the West Indies, finishing with an impressive 23 wickets at an average of 15.43. His tally included three five-wicket hauls and one four-wicket haul.
With senior pacers sidelined due to injury, Duffy stepped up as New Zealand’s pace spearhead, guiding the team to a 2-0 series victory and earning the Player of the Series award.
Duffy also capped off a historic year by finishing 2025 as the highest wicket-taker across all formats, claiming 81 wickets. In doing so, he surpassed a long-standing New Zealand record held by Sir Richard Hadlee, who had taken 79 wickets in 1985.