These days, Shaun Haig has a lot more to think about than whether to go for it if the ball is tossed up outside off stump.
The 33-year-old has not played one of his trademark blazing cover drives since his back gave up on him five years ago, but he has returned to the middle.
He switched to umpiring when his injury forced him into early retirement and derives even more pleasure from officiating than he did dispatching boundaries.
The former dashing right-hander has a real touch for the job too. He is in his fourth year as an umpire and his career is starting to flourish.
He made his elite debut this season, umpiring in two one-dayers and a twenty20 fixture, and has been assigned an upcoming first-class game as well.
``I enjoyed the game as a player and I really wanted to carry on with that in some way,'' Haig said.
``I was lucky enough to play some games for Otago but umpiring is something I probably enjoy a bit more.
``It is a challenge but very enjoyable at the same time.
``I'm always learning something new and there is a real emphasis, whether it is grassroots or domestic level, that you've always got to make sure you have a good understanding of the laws and interpretations.''
Haig fashioned a useful career as a top order batsman for Otago between 2006 and 2011. In 34 first-class games, he scored 1606 runs at an average of 30.30, including four centuries. He also played 24 one-dayers and one twenty20 match.
He had perhaps three or four seasons ahead of him when he injured his back during a club game for Albion. While it was a blow at the time, Haig quickly refocused. And as far as umpiring role models go, he did not have to look beyond Otago.
Derek Walker and Chris Gaffaney both played first-class cricket for the province and have gone on to umpire at international level.
``You look at the likes of Derek Walker and Chris Gaffaney and the way they have progressed and how they do a really good job, and you think it is possible,'' Haig said.
``But I'm realistic. If I can get anywhere close to that, I'd been really, really happy. But first things first, I've got to make sure I do a really good job of the games that I get.''
Walker and Gaffaney took advantage of a New Zealand Cricket initiative to fast-track former first-class players through the ranks.
But by the time Haig took up umpiring, that initiative had been shelved having served its purpose.
That meant Haig has had to slowly make his way up through the grades. ``I'm realistic about what it is going to take to keep progressing. It is going to take hard work but at the moment I'm really enjoying it and looking forward to any other opportunities that come my way.''
Haig, who is a teacher at Kavanagh College when he is not out in the middle calling the shots, said his first-class cricket background was ``helpful but not everything''.
He still had to swot up on the laws, and having to umpire players he used to play with and knows well presents some challenges. Those relationships were put to the test when Haig, who is married with three children, officiated during the one-dayer at Molyneux Park between Otago and Canterbury this season.
``I guess I felt that extra pressure of having played with them.
``They know me quite well and I know them, so they set
a high standard and expect me to go well.
``There was that little bit of maybe they were trying to catch me out if they could. The game itself was fairly straight-forward.
``There was not too many things which went on so it was a nice way to get in and get that one under the belt.''
