Dubai: South Africa batter Aiden Markram has been named the ICC Men’s Player of the Month for June 2025, thanks to his crucial all-round display in the ICC World Test Championship Final against Australia at Lord’s.
The 30-year-old played a defining role in ending South Africa’s 27-year wait for a senior ICC title, scoring 136 runs and taking two key wickets in the final. Rising to the occasion, the South African opener produced a standout performance – one of the most memorable in the tournament’s history – to lead his team to their first-ever World Test Championship crown.
“It is a privilege to receive this award. To contribute to a ICC World Test Championship win for our team and South Africa is something that means a lot to me,” Markram said upon winning the award.
“Winning the final at Lord’s is a historic moment for South African cricket, and it is something we will all remember forever. This victory was only possible due to the combined efforts of the entire team, with crucial contributions from KG (Kagiso Rabada) and Tembs (Temba Bavuma).”
Markram’s influence on the final began with the ball, as he was brought in to disrupt a blossoming partnership between Steve Smith and Beau Webster. He made an immediate impact, dismissing Smith with just his sixth delivery – an early breakthrough that set the tone for an unforgettable match. His first outing with the bat, however, was short-lived.