Richard Hadlee
One of the greatest fast bowlers of all time. Every New Zealander over 50 has his test bowling average of 22.29 committed to memory. Those who don’t have been ground down to sausage meat. He also invented Movember, right?
Martin Crowe
The majestic right-hander set the benchmark for all who followed. He was taken tragically early when he died in 2016 aged 53. His death robbed the world of an unique cricket brain that gave us Cricket Max — a very early forerunner to T20 that gave bowlers a fourth stump to aim at, and offered batters a free hit for every no ball bowled.
Debbie Hockley
The right-hander was the fourth woman to be inducted into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame and in 2016 was the first women to be elected president of New Zealand Cricket. Also scored a bunch of runs. Retired in 2000 after helping her country win the World Cup.
Martin Snedden
Snedden was the first bowler to concede 100 runs in an ODI with figures of two for 105 from 12 overs. He does not make the list for that particular achievement — rather, the 66-year-old gets the good old ODT seal of approval for his stewardship of the game. He is a former chief executive, chairman and board member of New Zealand Cricket. A safe pair of hands who has been committed to improving the game and bringing everyone along for the journey.
Bert Sutcliffe
The elegant left-hander clubbed those nasty South African quick bowlers for a bunch of runs during the 1953 Tangiwai test, having returned to the venue after being struck in the head by a bouncer. It was one of the most courageous moments in New Zealand sport.
Rebecca Rolls
The hard-hitting wicketkeeper was part of the 2000 World Cup-winning team. She played 104 ODIs, one test and two T20s for her country. Only two women have made more wicketkeeping dismissals in ODIs. Rolls nabbed 89 catches and effected 44 stumpings. The dual international also played in 21 football games for New Zealand.
Glenn Turner
Was lost to New Zealand cricket during his most productive years but he was an exceptional player who is often left out of the debate when it comes to our greatest batters. The right-hander also had two stints as coach and is a former national selector.
Daniel Vettori
At one stage, Vettori was our best batter, best bowler, the captain and wielded a lot of power when it came to the selection of the side. Transformed from Harry Potter to Professor Dumbledore due to a global shortage of razor blades.
John Reid
Born way too soon. He was an incredible all-rounder who would have been absolutely magnificent at T20. Finished his career as New Zealand’s leading scorer and wicket-taker in tests.
Brendon McCullum
Helped turn the team’s fortunes around after he replaced Ross Taylor as captain. Played the game in a style that made compulsive viewing.
John Wright
Revered opener. Former Black Caps coach. Penned two decent cricket books. Was renowned for his fighting qualities and his fidgety presence at the crease.
Honourable mentions
Emily Drumm
Captained the White Ferns to glory in 2000.
Stephen Fleming
Long-serving captain. Highly regarded as a strategist and one of only three players to score more than 7000 test runs for New Zealand.
Chris Cairns
Our best all-rounder. His reputation was sullied with the match-fixing allegations, but he was one of the most exciting cricketers New Zealand has produced. A match-winner with the ball or bat.
Ian Smith
Quality keeper, better commentator. Brings cricket to life when he is behind the microphone.
NZC’s criteria: The initial inductees will be selected on the basis of their international playing records, leadership, and influence. They must have played for New Zealand and have been retired for at least five years.
