Willower Bob Carter played county cricket as a medium-pace bowler and useful batsman for Northants (1978–82) as well as pro football for Norwich City. He was Director of Cricket for Northamptonshire prior to coming to NZ and now being involved with the Black Caps, The White Ferns, and coaching at the highest level in our country. He shares his insights.
Q1. Most memorable game?
As a player: 19th August 1981 Northamptonshire against Lancashire semi-final of the main one- day competition in England. Lancashire scored 186/9 (60 overs) I remember catching David Lloyd (“Bumble”, Sky TV commentator) at mid- wicket then amazingly we scraped home at 187/9 off 59.5 overs. I scored 14 but remember hitting Mike Holding for two fours through the covers (I did not do that too often; nor did many players then either). I was given out LBW (clearly missing) and David Lloyd threw the ball at me not hard but hit me on the chest. Many years later in 2000 he apologised to me at a cricket dinner he was talking at, it was a memorable apology!
As a coach: Assistant Coach of the Blackcaps playing in South Africa, Kimberley on 22nd January 2013. We scored 279/8 off 50 overs with Kane Williamson scoring 145 (a remarkable innings). South Africa 252 all out – we instigated five run-outs (one by Martin Guptill one of the best I had seen). It meant we won an ODI series for the first time ever on SA soil.
Q2. Most memorable personal performance?
I never had too many! Winning the Christchurch Premier League with Sydenham Cricket Club in 1985/86 was a highlight and I think it was that year I scored 167 against Riccarton on the massive boundaries of the SCG with Andrew Caddick and Denis Aberhart as part of the opposition bowling attack.
Q3. What or who was the major influence in shaping you as a player?
John Bond the football manager of Norwich City helped me shape where my career should go and that was to cricket where two great men from Northamptonshire Cricket Club shaped me as a player/coach and person. Brian Reynolds believed in me as a player and coached me. Ken Turner the CEO supported me in taking my coaching certificates as he saw leadership in me somehow. All three were instrumental in shaping me as a person outside of my parents.
Q4. Advice for a current secondary school cricketer who has a vision to play first class cricket?
Work hard on your game and in conjunction with your coaches develop an IPP (Individual Performance Plan) based around Fitness skills / Technical skills / Tactical skills and school work. This will help you reach your potential.
Q5. A vital aspect of the ethos of the game which must be strengthened?
Enjoyment in playing the game hard and fair. Respecting the environment you are playing in and respecting your teammates, the opposition and the officials running the game. Be a good person and be good to each other as it will support the wonderful game of cricket getting stronger and stronger.