For the third time in his career, New Zealand batsman Ross Taylor won the prestigious Richard Hadlee Medal, New Zealand’s highest cricketing honour, at the annual awards, held over video conferencing.
Taylor, as he has been over several years of his international career, was New Zealand’s gun player across formats over the past year. It was a year highlighted by his becoming the country’s most prolific Test batsman and the first international cricketer to play 100 matches in all three formats.
“I was happy with the consistency this season, and any time you can contribute to the team performance and help get the team across the line is special.”
Hadlee, after whom the award is named, presented the award to Taylor and congratulated him on his fantastic achievements for the BlackCaps side.
“I’ve followed your career since 2006 as I was part of the selection panel when you played your first ODI and then Test match,” Hadlee said. “I’ve watched your progress over the past 14 years, and I just want to congratulate you on all your performances and records to date.
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“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.”
Apart from Taylor, Kim Cotton (Umpire of the Year) and Taylor’s teammate, fast bowler Tim Southee (Test Cricketer of the Year) were the other big winners.
