New Zealand fast bowler Nathan Smith has been crowned the ICC Men's Player of the Month for June 2026 after producing a string of match-winning 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, finishing as the leading wicket-taker of the series and helping the Black Caps script a remarkable comeback after losing the opening Test.
Smith beat Bangladesh all-rounder Mossadek Hossain and India captain Shubman Gill to claim the prestigious monthly honour.
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Nathan Smith reacts after winning ICC Men's Player of the Month
Following the announcement, Smith admitted the recognition was special but stressed that contributing to New Zealand's success remained his biggest priority.
"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."
"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."
Nathan Smith's consistent displays throughout the three-match series also earned him the Player of the Series award as he finished with 16 wickets, the most by any bowler during the contest.
How Smith earned the accolade
Smith announced himself in emphatic fashion during the opening Test at Lord's despite New Zealand suffering defeat.
After taking three wickets in England's first innings, the right-arm pacer produced a sensational spell in the second innings, returning career-best figures of 6/70, while also registering the best match figures of his Test career.
Although New Zealand fell short in the opening encounter, Smith carried his momentum into the remainder of the series.
In the second Test, he claimed one wicket but also contributed a crucial 38 runs with the bat, helping New Zealand strengthen their position before eventually levelling the series.
The decisive third Test saw Nathan Smith once again lead from the front. His first-innings spell of 4/91 handed the Black Caps an important 82-run lead, before he added two more wickets in the second innings to help New Zealand complete a famous 2-1 series victory on English soil.
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With several frontline New Zealand quicks unavailable due to injuries, Smith stepped up as the leader of an inexperienced bowling attack, delivering consistently throughout the month to deservedly earn the ICC Men's Player of the Month honour.