Daryl Tuffey wins the National Bank International Cricketer of the Year award

With one match still to be played in the National Bank One-Day International Series, Daryl Tuffey has secured enough points to win the 2002/03 National Bank International Cricketer of the Year award.

The finger injury to Jacob Oram, which has prevented him taking further part in the National Bank Series, sees Tuffey now in an unbeatable position at the top of the table.

Tuffey wins for himself a 2.4 litre Hyundai Sonata, valued at $29,990.

National Bank sponsorship manager Gavin Larsen, who is also a member of the SKY commentary team that judges the competition, said Tuffey fully deserves the award.

"Daryl has shown exceptional form throughout both the Test and one-day series, and has bowled consistently as well as I have seen. He has bowled immaculate lines and a consistent length and has troubled all the classy Indian batsmen with his bounce and movement."

This summer, Tuffey has secured fourteen Test wickets at an average of 8.07 and 10 One-Day International wickets at an average of 19.10, with a runs per over rate of 3.36.

Philip Eustace, general manger of Hyundai Automotive NZ, was also full of praise for Tuffey.

"Watching Daryl perform his deeds this season has been a pleasure. He has bowled superbly and is a fully deserving recipient of the Hyundai Sonata."

Tuffey's consistency is borne out by the fact that he has secured points in five of the eight matches to date.

In the National Bank Cricketer of the Year competition, the top three players (as judged by the SKY commentary team) are awarded points at the conclusion of each match. For a Test match, points values of five, three and one are available for the top three performers. During a One-Day International, three, two and one points are allocated respectively to the three best-performed players.

The points table after the 6th ODI is:

Daryl Tuffey - 11
Jacob Oram - 8
Virender Sehwag - 6
Mark Richardson - 5
Andre Adams - 4
Zaheer Khan - 4
Javagal Srinath - 4
Nathan Astle - 3
Shane Bond - 3
Stephen Fleming - 2
Yuvraj Singh - 2
Kyle Mills - 1
Lou Vincent - 1

Tuffey will be presented the keys to his new Hyundai Sonata at the completion of the seventh and final One-Day International in Hamilton tomorrow.