Taylor bags Richard Hadlee medal for the third time in his career

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Taylor is NZ's leading run-getter in ODIs and also the first New Zealand player to feature in 100 Twenty20 Internationals © Getty

Ross Taylor bagged the Richard Hadlee medal for the third time after being named New Zealand's cricketer of the year. On the final day of the New Zealand Cricket Awards on Friday (May 1), Tim Southee was named the Test player of the year while Kim Cotton got the umpire of the year award.

Speaking about Taylor, Sir Richard Hadlee said: 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. 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. 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."

It was a year in which Taylor surpassed Stephen Fleming's runs tally to become the highest run-scorer for New Zealand in Test cricket. Taylor is also the leading run-getter in ODIs, while he became the first New Zealand player to feature in 100 Twenty20 Internationals. He scored 1389 runs across formats during the season - 511 runs in Tests, 548 in ODIs and 330 runs in T20Is.

"Thanks Paddles, it's been an amazing year," Taylor said during the virtual presentation ceremony held via video link. "It's been full of ups and downs. A World Cup Final - losing that Final. 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."

When asked by Hadlee about his favourite format, Taylor chuckled before replying: "My daughter asked me that this morning. I really enjoy playing T20 cricket. I feel one-day cricket is probably my best format, but Test cricket, and when you succeed at Test cricket, that's the ultimate and most satisfying," said Taylor, who had earlier won the T20I player of the year award.

Taylor also credited the late Martin Crowe for the influence he had on his career. "I'm sure he would be proud of this. Marty was able to pass on a lot of his experience and wisdom which has played a massive part in my career. It was always something that he always pushed me to do (break records). 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."

For Southee, it was a good season with the ball in red-ball cricket. The Test player of the year awards was his second of the season, having earlier won the award for best bowling in first-class cricket. He picked up 40 Test wickets in the season, including 14 in the two Test wins against India.

"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 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."

New Zealand Cricket Awards (selected):

Bert Sutcliffe Medal for Outstanding Services to Cricket: Ian Smith

Women's Super Smash Player of the Year: Sophie Devine (Wellington Blaze)

Men's Super Smash Player of the Year: Devon Conway (Wellington Firebirds)

Men's Domestic Player of the Year: Devon Conway (Wellington Firebirds)

Women's Domestic Player of the Year: Katie Gurrey (Northern Spirit)

First-Class batting: Tom Latham (Canterbury)

Women's domestic batting: Katie Gurrey (Northern Spirit)

First-Class bowling: Tim Southee (Northern Districts)

Women's domestic bowling: Jess Kerr (Wellington Blaze)

International Women's ODI Player of the Year: Suzie Bates

International Men's ODI Player of the Year: Kane Williamson

International Women's T20 Player of the Year: Sophie Devine

International Men's T20 Player of the Year: Ross Taylor

International Test Player of the Year: Tim Southee

New Zealand Umpire of the Year: Kim Cotton

Sir Richard Hadlee Medal: Ross Taylor