Tom kindly shares the highlights on his playing career to date and his thoughts on playing international cricket for his country.
Q1. Most memorable game?
Throughout my career so far there have been many memorable games that stand out including my debuts in every format for New Zealand and these are games that I will always remember.
When it comes to Test cricket, winning a Test is a very satisfying feeling. In our series against England in England in 2015, we were 1-nil down heading into the last Test at Headingley. That turned out to be a great game. Batting first, we made 350 then bowled England out also for 350. In the second innings we managed 454/8 declared which included a great 100 from BJ Watling. We then bowled England out for 255 with the wickets shared around. Beating England in their own conditions is not easy and for us to level the series was a great memory.
When it comes to ODI cricket, the World Cup semi-final will be something hard to beat. I’m sure everyone is well aware of what happened in that game. To be part of the squad, sitting down in the dugout, riding the emotions of the game was pretty special. Then to finally come out on the winning side, that moment will never be forgotten!
Q2. Most memorable personal performance?
My most memorable game would be the first ODI against India in 2017. Chasing 280, coming out at 80/3, putting on a 200 run partnership with Ross Taylor to win the game and being 103* at the end. Memorable, not just because of the personal milestone but the way we managed to chase down the score in Indian conditions and being there at the end to win the game. It was my first game in a new role of wicket-keeping and batting five.
Q3. Who was the major influence in shaping you as a player?
There have been many people over the years that have been influential in my growth as a player. In terms of coaches, Bob Carter, was my first first-class coach who brought me into the Canterbury side in 2010. He has been someone who has helped me a lot over the years. He knows my game very well and has had many years of experience with some world-class cricketers. He is someone who is great to chat with. Throughout my career to date I have had many other coaches and they have all added their different ideas. It is about trying to take stuff and to use what works best for me.
Q4. Advice for a current secondary school cricketer who has a vision to play first class cricket?
I guess everyone who plays cricket has ambitions to play not only first-class cricket but also for their country. One of the biggest things is just trying to improve as a cricketer every time you get the chance. Whether that be at training, at a game, off the field, in the gym, whatever. If you are trying to get better and to learn from your experiences on a day-to-day basis the personal milestones will take care of themselves.
Also, most importantly, is to make sure you are enjoying what you are doing. When you are having fun, it is much more enjoyable to play so keep having as much fun as possible.
Finally, do not put too much pressure on yourself. Cricket is a unique game when you have more unsuccessful days than successful; so keeping yourself level with no added pressure will help you move forward more quickly as a cricketer.
Q5. A vital aspect of the ethos of the game which must be strengthened?
I think RESPECT is something that is important throughout cricket no matter what level you are playing. Respect on and off the field for whoever is involved in the game. Nowadays in international cricket, guys around the world play so much together, we mix with and talk to different players a lot. So that respect is shown more in the current era than possibly what it was back in the day. That should not change whatever the level you are playing. Being able to mix with people in the opposition is important and includes respect for the ethos of the game.
This photograph was taken in 1924, when cricket was very much the preferred summer sport in the Kaipara district. Teams travelled by boat, on horseback and coaches to compete. The “young lad” is Henry Marsh, son of the photographer, of Wharehine.
Ed: Sentiments written on the blackboard are often echoed today by one MED; especially after defeat against an all-conquering, Macfarlane- inspired Hawkswood Wanderers XI.