Richard Hadlee Medal goes to Taylor, Southee bags Test prize

Wellington: Batting stalwart Ross Taylor on Friday was honoured with Sir Richard Hadlee Medal for the third time for excelling across formats. Taylor's teammate Southee bagged the top Test prize after having picked up 40 wickets at an average of 21.47 during the season.

Taylor also went past Stephen Fleming's tally to become the leading run-scorer for New Zealand in Tests and also is the first player from any country to provide his service with 100 international matches in all formats of the game. 

Taylor also came with 1,389 runs across formats during last season and was also part of the squad to reach World Cup finals in July.

"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."

Kim Cotton was named the Umpire of the Year after she became the first woman from New Zealand to officiate in an ICC World Cup final during the Women's T20 event in Australia at a jam-packed Melbourne Cricket Ground.(UNI)