The veteran Ross Taylor is awarded the Richard Hadlee medal after being nominated as the New Zeland cricketer of the year. He has received the medal for the third time in his illustrious career. The award ceremony was a virtual presentation ceremony held via video link.
It has been a fantastic year for Taylor. The right-hand batsman became the first batsman to play 100 T20I after playing against India this year. He also became the first-ever cricketer in history to play 100 matches across the format.
Ross Taylor: New Zealand Cricketer of The Year
Taylor has become New Zealand’s highest scorer in the Test format, surpassing the record of Stephen Fleming. He has scored 7238 runs in 101 Test matches at an average of 46.10. Taylor is also the leading run-getter in ODIs, scoring 8574 runs in 232 games with an average of 48.44. He has also been awarded the T20I player of the year.
Speaking about Taylor, Sir Richard Hadlee said: You’ve been a wonderful performer, you’ve got a fantastic record and on behalf of New Zealand Cricket I’d just like to say thanks very much for your contribution, not only to New Zealand cricket – but to world cricket.”
Tim Southee Test cricketer of the year:
Another veteran pacer Tim Southee was named as the Test cricketer of the year. He had an amazing season this year as he solely picked up 40 wickets in Test matches. The 31-year old has played 73 Test matches, picking 284 wickets, which includes 16 four-wicket haul and ten five-wicket hauls.
“To perform in the format is very pleasing and the stats are nice, but at the end of the day there’s a lot of work from your teammates that go into those numbers,” said Southee.
The New Zealand Cricket Awarded ceremony ended today (1 May). Blackcaps skipper Kane Williamson was awarded as the ODI cricketer of the year while White Ferns skipper Sophie Devine was awarded T20I Women’s cricketer of the year.