Richard Hadlee: Cricket
Sir Richard John Hadlee, MBE, (born July 3, 1951 from Christchurch, New Zealand) is a former world class international cricketer, premier fast bowler and all-rounder. He is the first bowler to capture 400 Test wickets. He is known to be “The master of rhythm and swing”. His career began in the 1970s when New Zealand gained major wins against India. He made his Test debut against Pakistan on February 2, 1973 and his ODI debut 9 days later against Pakistan as well.
Greatest Sporting Achievements
Richard Hadlee captured 431 Test wickets. He was the first bowler in Test history to capture 400 Test wickets in 1990. He also became the first player in Test history to achieve the double – capturing 400 wickets and scoring 3000 runs.
On five occasions, Hadlee topped the first class bowling averages during 10 seasons of English county cricket. He had 1490 (average of 18.11) wickets in all first class matches.
In 1990, he was knighted for his services to cricket. He became the Bank of New Zealand Cricket Ambassador and selector for New Zealand Cricket. In 2009, he was inducted into the ICC World Cricket Hall of Fame.
Why Was He So Good?
Sir Richard Hadlee was an accurate right arm swing and seam bowler with a fine skill and smooth action. Though his batting records aren’t as strong as the top international bowlers, he was successful at punishing lesser attacks. He became New Zealand’s main strike bowler – in 25 Tests, he took 100 wickets.
What You May Not Know
- In 1990, he established the Sir Richard Hadlee Sports Trust, aiming to help sportsmen and women in situations of hardship to strive for success.
- When he retired, he became an outspoken media pundit and became the chairman of New Zealand’s selectors.
- Richard Hadlee was nicknamed “Paddles” because of his large feet.
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