New Zealand seam bowler Nathan Smith was named the best player in men’s international cricket in June 2026 for his performance against England during a three-match Test series. New Zealand won the 3-match Test series by 2-1, backed by Nathan Smith’s exceptional bowling spells.
India captain Shubman Gill and Bangladesh star Mossadek Hossain were also in the race to become the ICC Men's Player of the Month for June 2026. Overtaking all other contenders, New Zealand’s fast bowler Smith appeared as the best of the month.
Why did the ICC name Nathan Smith as the ICC Men's Player of the Month for June 2026?
He finished the England vs New Zealand Test series as the leading wicket-taker, with a series haul of 16 wickets that came at an average of 23.00. In the second innings of the first Test at Lord’s, Nathan Smith returned with a standout bowling figure of six for 70.
Due to his difference-creating performance between the two teams, the International Cricket Council awarded him the ICC Men's Player of the Month for June 2026.
Smith stated that his focus mostly stays on the team performance, but the feeling was great as his individual effort has been recognised by the world cricket body. But more importantly, with his perfromance, New Zealand claimed the away series win against England in the away series.
“This is really special. It was a great tour of England for the boys, and this is pretty cool. 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,” he mentioned after being awarded the special award in the Men’s international cricket segment.
"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," he added.
Nathan Smith further mentioned that because of multiple injury reasons, he had no option but to step up to help the team with his available skill sets. He had to lead the team's bowling with the new ball, which he did on very few occasions in the past, but he had experience in domestic cricket.
"Unfortunately, we had a few injuries during the series, so I had to step up and open the bowling. It’s something I’ve done in domestic cricket and a little bit for New Zealand before, but it was nice to shoulder the responsibility and bowl a few overs with the new ball," Nathan Smith continued.
Danni Wyatt-Hodge won the ICC Player of the Month award as the women's international
On the other side, England opener Danni Wyatt-Hodge won the ICC Player of the Month award for the Women's International cricket category. She got the ICC Women's Player of the Month for her outstanding efforts in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.
In the elite tournament, the 35-year-old finished the league stage as the leading run-scorer of the tournament. Against Sri Lanka, Danni scored 105 off 62, and against defending champions New Zealand, an 89-run knock off 53.
"I’m delighted to win the ICC Player of the Month award, especially since it came for performances at a World Cup on home soil. The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup was a fantastic occasion for the game, and having the opportunity to play in the final at Lord’s is a memory that my teammates and I will cherish forever," she mentioned.
