We are delighted to have the popular and high-performing Hamish Marshall share his thoughts on his career and on the current state of our game. Hamish played a whopping 264 first-class matches from 1998 to 2018 for New Zealand (13 Tests and 66 ODIs), Gloucestershire, Northern Districts, and Wellington.
Q1. Most memorable game?
The first Chappell-Hadlee game in Melbourne in an enclosed stadium was my most memorable game. Mathew Sinclair took one of the great outfield catches to dismiss Matthew Hayden and the atmosphere at the ground felt like a Bledisloe Cup rugby match. We were chasing around 250 and got a solid start from Astle and Sinclair, then when the run rate went up some little cameos from Cairns and Oram helped us get into a winnable position. Enter Brendon McCullum who smashed 20 from 13 balls to seal victory in the 50th over. The feeling in the changing room was “next level” having just come off a tough test series where Australia had dominated us.
Q2. Most memorable personal performance?
It’s hard to go past my first test century of 146 against Australia at Jade Stadium in 2005. Australia had an attack consisting of McGrath, Gillespie, Kasprowicz and Warne so it was relentless attack. It was a lovely batting wicket also which was a bonus.
Q3. What or who was the major influence in shaping you as a player?
I think playing relentless games of BYC when I was a kid with brother James ignited the love and passion for cricket. Growing up in Northland, where we had the likes of Karl Treiber and Robert “Jumbo” Anderson who did a lot of work with young batters. A lot went on to play for ND. In my latter years John Bracewell was not only a coach who challenged me but he was also a great mentor and friend.
Q4. Advice for a current secondary school player who has a vision to play at the top level?
Never stop learning and trying to get better. You see a lot of talented players who don’t have the careers you thought they might have and it’s often down to the attitude of wanting to be better (sometimes an injury can interrupt too).
Q5. A vital aspect of the ethos of the game which must be strengthened?
That cricket is always played in the spirit expected. It is a competitive game which should be played to win but always in conjunction with respecting the game, its rules, traditions and to behave accordingly.