DUBAI: New Zealand fast bowler Nathan Smith has been named the International Cricket Council (ICC) Player of the Month for June 2026.
The right-arm fast bowler was honoured for his outstanding performances in the 2-1 Test series win over England, where he scalped 16 wickets in three matches.
Smith made a strong start in the opening Test, picking up nine wickets, including a six-fer in the second innings. New Zealand, however, lost the match.
He did not have the best of outings in the second fixture, picking up only a solitary wicket. However, Smith bounced backed with six wickets in the series decider to clinch a memorable series win.
ICC confirmed the award in a press release statement.
“Smith enjoyed a brilliant month as he spearheaded New Zealand’s memorable 2-1 Test series victory in England,” the statement read.
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“The Black Caps pacer beat competition from Bangladesh’s Mossadek Hossain and India’s Shubman Gill to win the award,” it added.
After the announcement, Smith welcomed the honour and expressed his delight at contributing to his team’s series victory.
“This is really special. It was a great tour of England for the boys, and this is pretty cool,” Smith spoke after receiving the award.
He added that he does not play for individual honors, while admitting the performance was particulary satisfying.
“I don’t usually play for individual awards, but it’s nice to receive this recognition and, more importantly, to have contributed to a series win.
“Personally, it was really satisfying to contribute to the win. That’s all I want to do for New Zealand – try as hard as I can and contribute in whatever way I can.”
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