He is the only batsman to share in two double-century opening
stands in a first-class match in history.
He made 355 for Otago in 1949/50 and 385 for Otago in 1952/53.
Test record: Matches - 42; Runs - 2,727;
Average - 40.10; 100s - 5; HS - 230 not out.
FC record: Matches - 232; Runs - 17,283; Average - 47.22; 100s
- 44; HS - 385.
2. GLENN TURNER: Unswervingly
single-minded in his pursuit of runs, unashamedly ambitious and
often impatient of administration in his country.
A glorious county career with Worcestershire was the key to Turner’s
success everywhere else.
A brilliant right-handed opening batsman, he played immacutely
straight, defended with a solidity of technique which few other
opening Kiwi batsmen since his time have matched.
By far his country’s most prolific batsman -- scoring over
100 centuries.
Test record: Matches - 41; Runs - 2,991;
Average - 44.64; 100s - 7; HS - 259.
FC record: Matches - 455; Runs - 34,346;
Average - 49.70; 100s - 103; HS - 311 not out.
3. MARTIN CROWE: Arguably New
Zealand’s finest batsman -- a champion right-hander who
cultivated a sound technique, which enabled him to hit the ball
with great power.
A bad knee kayoed him and restricted his data even further.
He is the highest individual scorer in a Test innings for his
country.
Injury cut short his further progress.
Test record: Matches - 77; Runs - 5,444;
Average - 45.37; 100s - 17; HS - 299.
ODI record: Matches - 143; Runs - 4,704;
Average - 38.55; 100s - 4; HS - 107 not out.
4. STEPHEN FLEMING: The most
successful captain in New Zealand’s history, and the only
Kiwi batsman to cross the coveted 6,000-run barrier in Tests.
Tall, elegant, handsome and a delight to watch (on-form), Fleming
drives gracefully and is perhaps, the most exciting talent to
emerge for New Zealand, since Martin Crowe.
Recently, he went pass the 7,000 run mark at One-Day International
level.
Test record: Matches - 96; Runs - 6,050;
Average - 37.03; 100s - 8; HS - 274 not out.
ODI record: Matches - 244; Runs - 7,009;
Average - 31.43; 100s - 6; HS - 134 not out.
5. BEVAN CONGDON: Masterful
all-rounder, one of New Zealand’s finest. As captain he
was one who led from the front.
A player of immense worth, this lean and wiry player of medium-height
developed into a high class right-hander.
He delighted crowds in England with deft stroke-play.
He was also a serviceable medium-pacer who got lateral movement
off responsive tracks.
Test record: Matches - 61; Runs - 3,448;
Average - 32.22; 100s - 7; HS - 176; Wkts. - 59; Average - 36.50.
ODI record: Matches - 11; Runs - 338;
Average - 56.33; 100s - 1; HS - 101.
6. JOHN RICHARD REID: A physically
powerful all-rounder of the 1940s and 1950s.
This Atlas figure was a correct right-hand bat, who often took
New Zealand out of trouble with his big hitting.
As a bowler, he trafficked in brisk outswing until using/switching
to off-cutters.
His innings of 296 in 1962/63 contained 15 sixes.
A superb competitor -- if and when the need arose -- he rose to
challenges.
Test record: Matches - 58; Runs - 3,428;
Average - 33.28; 100s - 6; HS - 142; Wkts. - 85; Average - 33.35.
FC record: Matches - 246; Runs - 16,128; Average - 41.35; 100s
- 39; HS - 296; Wkts. - 466; Average - 22.60.
7. CHRIS CAIRNS: Injuries spotted
his career, limiting one of the most spectacular all-rounders
to lower figures he was worth.
He gained membership of an elite all-rounders club -- 200 wickets
and 3,000 runs in Tests.
At best, a tall, handsome, hunkish and daring all-rounder -- he
struck the ball very hard and bowled brilliant fast-medium inswing
with precision.
His father was Lance Cairns -- top-class player in his own right.
Test record: Matches - 62; Runs - 3,320;
Average - 34.22; 100s - 5; HS - 158; Wkts. - 216; Average - 29.24.
ODI record: Matches - 180; Runs - 4,272;
Average - 29.26; 100s - 4; HS - 115; Wkts. - 163; Average - 33.41.
8. RICHARD HADLEE: Unquestionably
the greatest bowler yet produced by New Zealand. More often than
he can recall, he carried his country’s bowling on his shoulders;
he destroyed many sides with his uncanny swing and movement.
He collected 36 five-wkt. hauls in a Test innings and gave his
country, many of their finest moments.
A hard-hitting bat also, he collected 3,000 runs.
He is simply the greatest!
Test record: Matches - 86; Runs - 3,124;
Average - 27.16; 100s - 2; HS - 151 not out; Wkts. - 431; Average
- 22.29.
ODI record: Matches - 115; Runs - 1,749;
Average - 21.61; Wkts. - 158; Average - 21.56.
9. BRUCE TAYLOR: A strapping
six feet three inches tall robust all-rounder of outstanding proportion.
A punishing left-hand bat and an accurate right-arm fast-medium
bowler -- he commanded swing both ways and also had a lethal bouncer.
A century and five-wicket haul on Test debut was a prelude to
many fine all-round performances.
Whether batting or bowling -- he stood out.
Test record: Matches - 30; Runs - 898;
Average 20.40; 100s - 2; HS - 124; Wkts. - 111;
Average - 26.60.
FC record: Matches - 145; Runs - 4,579;
Average - 24.75; 100s - 4; HS - 173; Wkts. - 422;
Average - 25.13.
10. ADAM PARORE: The first
and only Maori native to play Test match cricket.
Over the years, 1990s on, he established himself as New Zealand’s
most capped and successful wicket-keeper.
A capable right-hand bat and established gloveman, he took six
catches in only his second Test match.
Adam Parore is the only Kiwi gloveman to complete 200 Test dismissals.
Test record: Matches - 78; Runs - 2,865;
Average - 26.28; 100s - 2; HS - 110; Catches - 197; Stumpings
- 7.
ODI record: Matches - 179; Runs - 3,314;
Average - 25.69; 100s - 1; HS - 106; Catches - 116; Stumpings
- 25.
11. DANIEL VETTORI: Italian-stock,
Vettori has emerged over the past eight years as his country’s
finest and most successful spin bowler, to date.
A capable batsman -- in that -- he scored the fastest century
by a New Zealander in Test history.
At six feet two inches, Vettori uses his height and, allied to
his high-arm action, generates enough bounce off most tracks.
One of only three New Zealand bowlers to capture 200 Test wickets.
Test record: Matches - 64; Runs - 1,855;
Average - 24.09; 100s - 2; HS - 137 not out; Wkts. - 209; Average
- 34.47.
ODI record: Matches - 125; Runs - 597;
Average - 10.85; Wkts. - 109; Average - 37.68.
