Nathan Smith named ICC Men's Player of the Month for June 2026

DUBAI: New Zealand fast bowler Nathan Smith has been named the ICC Men's Player of the Month for June 2026 following a string of outstanding performances during the ICC World Test Championship.

The 28-year-old played a pivotal role in New Zealand's memorable 2-1 Test series triumph over England, emerging as the leading wicket-taker and spearheading the Black Caps' depleted pace attack.

Smith beat Bangladesh all-rounder Mossadek Hossain and India batter Shubman Gill to claim the monthly accolade.

Reacting to the honour, Smith said he was delighted to receive the recognition but stressed that the team's success remained his top priority.

"This is really special. It was a great tour of England for the boys, and this is pretty cool," Smith said. "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."

Smith finished the series with 16 wickets, the most by any bowler, and was deservedly named Player of the Series despite New Zealand suffering defeat in the opening Test at Lord's.

His finest display came in the series opener, where he claimed three wickets in England's first innings before producing career-best figures of 6/70 in the second innings. The performance also gave him the best match figures of his career, although it came in a losing effort.

The right-arm pacer continued to make crucial contributions as New Zealand recovered to win the final two Tests and complete a remarkable comeback series victory.

Although he managed just one wicket in the second Test, Smith made a useful contribution with the bat, scoring 38 runs to help strengthen New Zealand's position in the second innings.

In the series-deciding third Test, Smith returned figures of 4/91 in the first innings to help secure a crucial 82-run lead before taking two more wickets in the second innings as New Zealand wrapped up a memorable 2-1 series victory.

With several first-choice New Zealand fast bowlers sidelined through injury, Smith rose to the occasion, leading an inexperienced bowling attack with distinction and cementing his status as one of the standout performers of the month.