John Mitchell talks to Peter Fulton who played 23 tests, 49 ODIs and 12 T20Is for New Zealand between 2004 and 2014. In February 2017 he also scored the fastest domestic one-day century (116 not out from 58 balls in the Ford Trophy Final) in New Zealand’s history.
Q1. Most memorable game and best personal performance?
It would have to be the third test v England at Eden Park (Auckland) in March 2013. To score two centuries was beyond my wildest dreams to be fair. Mum and Dad came up on day four and got to see the second one which was really special. It was extremely satisfying to do it against a very good bowling attack and such a quality side as England. The only downside was that we finished a wicket short of what would have been an amazing series win!
Q2. Major influence in shaping you as a player?
The biggest influence on me as a cricketer and as a person was Peter Prosser who was headmaster at Waihi boarding school when I was a young fella. He had a really strong passion for sport and especially cricket and rugby. He was also very big on playing the game the right way and of hard work and discipline. I always loved cricket before those two years but that was when I got some very good coaching and gained a great deal of confidence.
Q3. Advice for secondary school cricketers who have a vision to play first-class cricket?
Make sure you have something else going on in your life other than cricket. When I was leaving secondary school the demands on young players as far as cricket training and fitness sessions were far smaller than what they are now. There is a real risk of putting all your eggs in one basket so to speak. Whether that is university, a trade or something else completely different, don’t fall into the trap of only thinking about cricket. It’s a great career and I wouldn’t change anything about my cricketing journey but it doesn’t last forever so plan for the future also.
Q4. A vital aspect of the ethos of the game which must be strengthened?
I think one of the great parts of cricket is the social interaction after the game. It is an opportunity to meet new people as well as learn from older players. There are so many demands on people’s time these days that many players rush straight off after a game. The aftermatch interaction is my favourite part of a day’s cricket so don’t shy away from it. Embrace it. You never know what you might learn about your own game or who you might meet.