Cricket NSW Celebrates McDonald’s NSW Premier Cricket Achievements

Kurtis Patterson has been named the recipient of the Steve Waugh Medal for New South Wales’ men’s domestic cricketer of the year, marking a significant return to form for the 32-year-old batter. The award was presented during the Cricket NSW Annual Awards on Wednesday, April 1, 2026.

Patterson secured the honor over fellow nominees leg-spinner Tanveer Sangha, pace bowler Liam Hatcher, and seamer Charlie Stobo. The accolade follows a period 18 months ago when Patterson was absent from the Blues side and playing grade cricket for St. George.

The batter played a pivotal role in New South Wales securing the Dean Jones Trophy, finishing as the leading run-scorer of the One-Day Cup with 565 runs at an average of 113.00. His contributions included a half-century in the final against Tasmania in Hobart.

In the Sheffield Shield, Patterson scored 619 runs at 36.41. This included a career-best 173 not out against South Australia at the SCG, which stood as the highest individual score of the competition.

National Team Aspirations

Patterson’s resurgence comes as the Australian national team faces potential vacancies in the Test middle-order, following the recent retirement of veteran batter Usman Khawaja. The left-hander previously played two Tests against Sri Lanka in early 2019, where he scored a century at Manuka Oval.

When questioned by Fox Cricket last month regarding his aspirations for a national recall, Patterson noted that the motivation to return to the Australian side was a primary driver during his time away from state cricket.

I’m playing my best cricket at the moment, there’s no doubt about that. I’m more mature. I’ve got a more complete game now, and I’ve got the confidence that I’ve done it in the past when I was selected.

Kurtis Patterson

Patterson currently holds an all-time record Test average of 144.00. His return to prominence coincides with a dip in form for Australian Test No. 3 Marnus Labuschagne, who has recorded 447 first-class runs at 22.35 since the end of October, with only three fifties in 20 innings.

Women’s Domestic Honors

The awards evening also recognized excellence in the women’s game, with batter Katie Mack receiving the Belinda Clark Medal for New South Wales’ domestic women’s cricketer of the year.

The 32-year-old capped off a successful maiden campaign with the Breakers, finishing as the leading run-scorer of the Women’s National Cricket League (WNCL). Mack scored 659 runs at an average of 59.90, a performance that helped the Breakers qualify for the tournament decider against Queensland.