John Mitchell, former President of The Willows, has initiated this new section in response to requests from current players seeking comments from first class players of yesteryear.
Q1. Most memorable game?
November 1969, 3rd Test NZ v Pakistan in Dacca, East Pakistan (now Bangladesh). This was the final match of an arduous 23 week tour of England, India and Pakistan. Despite high hopes we had failed to win a Test in the UK, but moving to the sub-continent and losing the first test in Bombay, we squared the Series in Nagpur (NZ’s first ever Test win in India), and drew the 3rd Test in Hyderabad. So to Pakistan for the final leg of the tour.
After a draw in Karachi, the NZ team won the second test in Lahore by 5 wickets, our first ever victory at home or away against Pakistan. On to Dacca, where despite a superb century by Glenn Turner, the home side led by 17 on the first innings, and had four of us out by stumps with a lead of 38 runs as we headed into the last day of the match and the tour. And what a day of tension and high drama it was.
When our eighth wicket fell we only led by 84 runs with 280 minutes of play remaining. In walked Bob Cunis to join Mark Burgess, as we all thought “it’s all over”. But they had other ideas and in front of 40,000 boisterous Pakistanis, they defied the odds for a further two hours, by grim determination and some good fortune. When our innings ended, Cunis had made 23 and Burgess was 119 not out. This left Pakistan needing 183 to win in 143 minutes. Clearly the local crowd had expected a Pakistani victory, but as their chances faded they became more noisy and threatening, throwing bricks, rocks and (yes) bananas, as well as setting fires in the stands. And who had stepped up with the ball to foil the Pakistan run chase – none other than Bob Cunis who took 4 for 20. When the crowd broke through the police and army cordon around the ground the players raced for the safety of the dressing rooms.
The drawn match gave us NZ’s first ever test series win. A victory surely snatched from the jaws of defeat if ever there was. And as captain that was probably my proudest moment.
Q2. Most memorable personal performance?
1968, 2nd Test NZ v India at Lancaster Park.
This was my first match as captain, as Barry Sinclair had taken ill. India won the toss, and decided to bowl first, hoping for assistance from the mottled looking pitch. But Pataudi was wrong and the pitch played easily from the start. I had scored a century in the first Test so had had a good look at all of the Indian bowlers, but I was also aware of my captaincy responsibilities. Some nine and a half hours later, I had managed to surpass Bert Sutcliffe’s Test record of 230* and the team total of 502 was only the second time that mark had been achieved by a NZ team. In all fairness the Indian “pace” attack was gentle, but they had an all-star spin attack (Nadkarni, Bedi and Prasanna), who between bowled 132 overs in that innings. Looking back I have always had the highest admiration for the two Umpires Fred Goodall and Dick Shortt who declined the countless LBW appeals when I was hit on the front pad. I’m also glad there was no 3rd umpire referral system in those days! As history shows many top batsmen never achieve a double century during their careers, so I am glad that I made the most of my one and only chance. And ever since, people have kept coming up to me to say “Hi, I was at Lancaster Park and saw your innings”.
Q3. What or who was the major influence in shaping you as a player?
Firstly as a youngster it was my Dad who always gave me quiet advice and encouragement. Then I was fortunate to have excellent coaching from Les Townsend and then Jack Kerr at St Andrew’s College. From then on lots of support and advice from fellow members of the West Christchurch Cricket Club as well as from the more experienced players in the Canterbury Plunket Shield team. Once I made the NZ team on a regular basis, I tried to learn from watching the best of the opposing test batsmen, however Merv Wallace became my mentor. Whenever I was in a form slump I would contact him, or meet up with him when we were playing in Auckland. And Merv would throw a few balls to me and get me to make (usually) some minute adjustment that invariably worked wonders.
Q4. Advice for a current secondary school player who has a vision to play at the top level?
There are huge opportunities at every level these days, but be careful not to get too carried away too soon. Make the most of every opportunity, but beware of the media who often exaggerate youth potential. Keep your eyes and ears open, and your mouth shut. Always listen to advice, but then the big challenge for every individual is to be able to analyse and consider that advice, and either adopt or politely discard.
Q5. A vital aspect of the “ethos” of the game which must be strengthened?
The game today has changed to such a degree since my playing days, that I don’t feel I am in any position to venture any opinions. (Sorry!)