The month of December witnessed some extraordinary Test match cricket performances, with Pat Cummins, Jasprit Bumrah, and Dane Paterson all receiving nominations for the Player of the Month award. The standout performances came from the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and the Test series between South Africa and Pakistan.
Pat Cummins, the Australian captain, played a pivotal role in his team's success throughout the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, securing Australia's spot in the ICC World Test Championship 2025 Final. With 17 wickets across three Tests and contributions with the bat, including crucial knocks of 49 and 41, Cummins' leadership and all-around performance helped Australia achieve vital victories.
Jasprit Bumrah's remarkable performances for India earned him the Player of the Series award. He claimed 22 wickets in three Tests at an exceptional average of 14.22, with standout spells in Brisbane and Melbourne that kept India competitive. Bumrah's performances also saw him reach the highest rating points by an Indian bowler in the ICC Test Player Rankings.
Dane Paterson, playing for South Africa, was instrumental in his team’s journey to the ICC World Test Championship 2025 Final. With 13 wickets in two Tests and match-winning performances against Sri Lanka and Pakistan, Paterson’s efforts were key to securing crucial victories. His five-wicket hauls against both teams showcased his outstanding skill and consistency.