You’ve had an exciting few years, getting a number of international cricket matches under your belt! Was your goal always to play for the BlackCaps?
I was very fortunate to become domestically contracted for Central Districts when I was in my second year at UC and to also captain NZ U19’s around this time too. This gave me a great taste of what playing cricket professionally in NZ entailed but I had always aspired to play for the Blackcaps. It wasn’t until I graduated and made some decisions about the career I wanted, that I put a proper plan in place on how I might make that happen. I made my debut for the Blackcaps aged 28. I’ve had so much fun doing what I love but it hasn’t happened without sacrifice and overcoming many hurdles along the way. It has been amazing to be part of the Blackcaps environment these past few years.
What has been your favourite match to date, and why?
It would have to be when we won the inaugural World Test Championship Final against India in 2021. I didn’t play in the final however I was part of the squad and to be there and to soak in the occasion which was such a huge achievement for New Zealand Cricket is something I’ll remember and cherish forever.
You were named the ANZ Men’s ODI Player of the Year at the 2021/22 ANZ New Zealand Cricket awards – what did this award mean to you?
I must say that during this particular year there wasn’t much ODI cricket played due to Covid-19. However, there was a series against the Netherlands at the end of the season and I scored two centuries in the three-game series. I was delighted to receive this award especially after learning of the calibre of its previous recipients.
What first got you interested in playing cricket?
I’ve been playing cricket since I was about six years old but have always enjoyed sports which involve hitting a ball. Over the years I gravitated towards cricket because I enjoy being part of a team. The camaraderie and shared passion for cricket with many friends and my younger brother were significant factors in growing my love for the game. I am very grateful for the support and encouragement from my parents and coaches which further fueled my commitment to the sport.
What brought you down to UC to study your Bachelor of Science? Any Highlights of your time at UC?
In my final year of High School, I was drawn towards subjects that would enable me to study engineering. I visited UC for the Orientation Day where I applied and was accepted into a hall of residence - R&R. Throughout that summer, I played great cricket, and I got offered to be based at Lords for the UK summer with the Marylebone Cricket Club Young Cricketers scholarship. However, the opportunity fell through, and I decided to move to Christchurch to study a BSc. It seemed like a more manageable workload with cricket commitments and a NZ U19 World Cup on the horizon.
During my first week at UC, the devastating 2011 earthquake struck. I felt that it helped bring students closer together. My most fond memories of my time at UC are of those flatting, attending events thrown by various clubs/societies and exploring the outdoors around Canterbury and the South Island. I met plenty of amazing people during my time at UC and learnt some valuable lessons including time-management, networking and planning.