Tim Southee honoured with Sir Richard Hadlee Medal at ANZ awards

Kiwi speedster Tim Southee has been honoured with the prestigious Sir Richard Hadlee Medal at the annual New Zealand Cricket Awards. Southee has been rewarded for displaying stunning consistency across all formats during the past year.

Southee has been instrumental in the Blackcaps' successful campaign in the inaugural ICC World Test Championship. In the final played at Southampton, Southee snared five vital wickets to help New Zealand become the world champions in the Test format. 

In the 2021-22 season, Southee notched up a tally of 36 Test wickets at an impressive average of 23.88. His stunning performances in the game's longest format have propelled him to the third position among NZ's most successful bowlers in Tests. He stands behind Sir Richard Hadlee and the legendary Daniel Vettori. 

Southee's brilliant showing has not been limited to the five-day format. He was at the helm of the pace attack in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2021. Additionally, he donned the captain's hat in T20Is during the Kiwis' tour to India. 

With mastery over swing bowling, Southee claimed 12 wickets in all the T20 Internationals played over the season. However, his best showing came against India as he returned with figures of 3/16.

Currently playing for the Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL, Southee said, "It's a huge honour to win such a prestigious award. While the accolades are nice, I think it really reflects how we have worked together as a group and played our cricket for a long time."

"It's been great to be a part of this period and win games for our country, which is very special."

Hadlee, too, congratulated the pacer, tagging him as the 'deserving winner'. The Black Caps' highest wicket-taker in Tests was instrumental in Southee's selection when he was a part of the panel.

The legendary all-rounder said about Southee, "We go back 14 years to when I was part of the selection panel who first picked you and to watch you develop over the years into the fine-tuned bowler you are now has been quite remarkable."

Hadlee has backed Southee to breach the 400-wicket mark and even challenge his record of 431 wickets. 

He concluded, "I really do congratulate you Tim on what you've achieved, and no doubt you've got a few more years to give to New Zealand cricket and the game in general."

Devon Conway (Test Player of the Year), Sophie Devine (International Women's T20 Player of the Year) and Amelia Kerr (International Women's ODI Player of the Year) were some other noteworthy winners at the yearly awards ceremony.