Kabir Ali's excellent form has earned the talented all rounder a double boost with him securing his second Hewett Recruitment Player of the Month Award and a place in the initial 20 strong ECB Academy shortlist.

The 21-year-old has maintained his fine form throughout June after scooping the first award of the season. Last month he bagged another 20 wickets at an average of 19.35 and played a major part in the County's quest for honours.

Overall this season he has claimed 43 first class wickets at an average of 20.16 and is averaging 28 with the bat. His limited overs form has been just as impressive with 13 victims in the Norwich Union League Division One at just 16.07 with a strike rate of a wicket every 19 balls.

This form has brought him to the attention of the ECB's Academy Director and former Australian wicket-keeper Rod Marsh. Kabir and County colleague Gareth Batty have been selected for the provisional shortlist for this winter's Academy programme.

The Hewett Recruitment Player of the Month Award's are judged by members of the media who cover both the County's four day and one day matches. The leading player in the match receives five points, second three and third one point with the monthly winner being the player with the highest total.

There will be five monthly awards for April/May, June, July, August and September with the overall winner being presented with the Hewett Recruitment Player of the Year Award at the end of the season.

Kabir took the June award just ahead of David Leatherdale, Ben Smith and Vikram Solanki who are all pushing him for the overall player of the year award.

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