Ross Taylor named NZ Test, ODI Player of the Year for 2013-14

New Zealand batsman Ross Taylor has reportedly been named the country's Player of the Year twice at the annual New Zealand Cricket Awards in Auckland for the 2013-14 season, topping in every category he was nominated in.

The former captain was awarded the Test Player of the Year, ODI Player of the Year and presented with the Redpath Cup for first-class batting over the 2013-14 season.

A special presentation was made to captain Brendon McCullum, who took the gong for the previous season as well as the ODI award, in order to recognise the 302 he scored against India in Wellington last month, the biggest ever Test score by a New Zealander.

According to Stuff.co.nz, the awards cap a topsy-turvy spell for Taylor after he was unceremoniously dumped as captain by coach Mike Hesson in late 2012 and although he was eventually offered an olive branch by Hesson who suggested he retain the Test captaincy, but he decided instead to take a break from cricket.

Taylor, after receiving his two Sir Richard Hadlee medals, was lauded by New Zealand Cricket boss David White as being close to 'their greatest ever batsman'.

The report mentioned that left-armer Mitchell McClenaghan won the Twenty20 player of the year award for this season.

Meanwhile, women player Suzie Bates was named the women's International Player of the Year for both seasons, the report added.

Image: Ross Taylor

Photo: Reuters