Ross Taylor bags Sir Richard Hadlee Medal, Tim Southee gets Test prize

Ross Taylor claimed the Sir Richard Hadlee Medal for excelling across formats, while Tim Southee was recognised as the top Test player of the year at the annual New Zealand Cricket Awards.

Taylor accumulated 1,389 runs across formats to top the run-scoring charts for New Zealand with the help of two centuries and nine fifties,

During the period, he also went past Stephen Fleming’s tally to become the leading run-scorer for New Zealand in Tests and solidified his place at the top of the charts in ODIs.

“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,” said Hadlee when conferring the honour upon Taylor via video link.

“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.”

Taylor’s teammate Southee bagged the top Test prize after having picked up 40 wickets at an average of 21.47 during the season.

“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, who also won the award for his achievements in first-class cricket on Wednesday. “The guys taking the catches, the guys bowling at the other end creating pressure – it’s a collective group effort and this award is a representation of that.”