A record-breaking 2019/20 season has seen Blackcaps batsman Ross Taylor take out the prestigious Sir Richard Hadlee Medal for the third time.
The Hadlee Medal is NZ Cricket's (NZC) supreme award for Cricketer of the Year.
Taylor, who also won the award in 2012/13 and 2013/14, has had a memorable campaign over the last 12 months, helping guide the Blackcaps one-day side to a second successive World Cup Final and surpassing Stephen Fleming’s runscoring record for New Zealand, while becoming the first cricketer to play 100 international games in each of the three formats.
He was also the Blackcaps' top batsman during that period, smacking 1389 runs across the three formats, while playing all but one of the Blackcaps' 32 internationals in England to Sri Lanka, Australia and at home.
"It’s been full of ups and downs," Taylor says of the past 12 months.
"A World Cup final - losing that final - and the Boxing Day test, which was such a proud moment to be part of and to have so many Kiwis there supporting us was something I'll never forget.
"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."
Taylor reflects on the influence of the late Martin Crowe, who was instrumental in developing the right-hander’s test technique and helped him set his goals.
"I'm sure he would be proud of this," Taylor adds. "Marty was able to pass on a lot of his experience and wisdom, which has played a massive part in my career.
"[Breaking records] was always something that he always pushed me to do. I think he would probably be surprised at how well I have done.
"But I've been fortunate to be helped by a lot of people over the years and I guess when you win awards like this, it’s nice to be able to thank them."
Also on the final day of NZ Cricket's annual awards, Kim Cotton was named NZ Umpire of the Year, while Blackcaps bowler Tim Southee was named NZ Test Player of the Year.
NZC president Debbie Hockley presented Cotton with her award 'virtually', after a season that saw the practicing lawyer become the first Kiwi woman to preside over an ICC World Cup final.
"It's been a busy journey, but I’ve absolutely loved it," Cotton reflects.
"I was a bit surprised to be asked to do the final - it was an amazing experience. The atmosphere and the noise was unreal.
"I thoroughly enjoyed the game and it was so great to be part of."
Southee claimed 40 wickets from eight tests, including 14 in the test wins against India at Wellington and Christchurch.
Earlier this week, Southee claimed his third Winsor Cup, awarded for first-class bowling.
"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," says Southee.
"The guys taking the catches, the guys bowling at the other end creating pressure - its a collective group effort and this award is a representation of that."
NZ Cricket Award winners
Bert Sutcliffe Medal for Outstanding Services to Cricket: Ian Smith
Women’s Super Smash Player of the Year: Sophie Devine
Men's Super Smash Player of the Year: Devon Conway
Men's Domestic Player of the Year: Devon Conway
Women’s Domestic Player of the Year: Katie Gurrey
The Redpath Cup for first-class batting: Tom Latham
The Ruth Martin Cup for women’s domestic batting: Katie Gurrey
The Winsor Cup for first-class bowling: Tim Southee
The Phyl Blackler Cup for women’s domestic bowling: Jess Kerr
Men’s ODI player of the year: Kane Williamson
Women’s ODI player of the year: Suzie Bates
Men’s T20 international player of the year: Ross Taylor
Women’s T20 international player of the year: Sophie Devine
International Test Player of the Year: Tim Southee
New Zealand Umpire of the Year: Kim Cotton
Sir Richard Hadlee Medal: Ross Taylor
