Cricket: Black Caps hitter John F Reid dies at 64

John Fulton Reid, one of New Zealand’s best test hitters, died of cancer at age 64.

The southpaw scored 1,296 runs averaging 46.28 in 19 events between 1979 and 1986, second behind Kane Williamson among his compatriots in playing more than 20 innings.

Their conversion rate from centuries to half a century was 75 percent, completing six out of eight. That’s the best among New Zealanders, and higher than Sir Don Bradman’s 69 percent, though The Don hit triple figures 29 of 42 times.

Reid was technically adept at creasing and exuded a particular elegance against effects.

However, the pinnacle of his playing career arguably came in November 1985 during New Zealand’s win in innings and 41 runs against Australia at fast Gabba. Reid and Martin Crowe combined for a record 224 run position on third field that helped their side to 553 of the seven declared. Sir Richard Hadlee did the rest with 15 plots for 123.

Reid did 108.

Speaking to the Herald on the 30th anniversary, the number 3 felt it proved to be a point after the first five of its six centuries arrived at home or outside of India, Pakistan or Sri Lanka.

“Hitting through, when the wicket was still going a bit, was special. It wasn’t an easy flat throw to start with and I proved that I could score a hundred attacks outside the subcontinent or dominated by spin.

“Watching Martin hit so superbly, and me pushing one and two at the other end made a fantastic platform.

“On the faster and harder pitches there were benefits to playing on the ground. You were less vulnerable to getting caught than making cross shots. It altered my game plan and consciously told myself to hit directly beyond the middle of the field. and half of the “. “

Former Auckland national teammate and Martin Snedden, now chairman of the New Zealand cricket board, reflected on Reid’s contribution in 2015.

“You’ve always heard skeptical backroom talk about John’s ability to fast bowling at that level, but look at his testing record – he’s amazing against good pace and spinning attacks.

“That association [with Crowe] It was pivotal because, having pitched so well, it’s not unusual for New Zealand teams to hold back on hitting. Those two just repelled the Australians. “

Reid said the game, and the first and so far only series won in Australia, was the culmination of a change in New Zealand’s mindset over several years.

“It sounds a bit hackneyed, given how professional the game is now, but we saw the rise of those who played in the English county setting. John Wright, Geoff Howarth and Richard Hadlee brought a sense of professionalism that was unlike the past.

“We had to be weekend cricketers playing tryouts and to some extent that’s how I saw myself. We played a handful of first-class matches per season. Suddenly, we had more confidence and trust in ourselves. themselves on the world stage.

“My main memory of the build-up came from our internal meeting. It was a pre-video analysis, but we shared the knowledge the players had of each other. Glenn Turner visited with each player to talk about their strengths and what he expected of them. There was no discussion about weaknesses; it was just ‘do this because you’re good at it.’ I went to bed thinking about how I could reinforce that. “

In an amateur era, Reid also placed making a living ahead of the international glory of cricket. He declined a tour of the Caribbean in 1985 in order to prioritize his role as a teacher.

He later became New Zealand Cricket’s chief operating officer, high performance manager, and acting coach of the national team in the 1995 centennial season.

Reid moved from Auckland to Canterbury in 1996 to take up his position at NZC.

Recently, part of the new Selwyn Sports Center was named in his honor.

Selwyn Mayor Sam Broughton told the Otago Daily Times that the measure recognizes Reid’s work as a champion of community sports in the district. He also spent nine years at Sport New Zealand (formerly SPARC) supporting that cause and established a national program to identify and develop talented athletes.

Reid is survived by his wife Karen, daughters Amanda and Carolyn, and six grandchildren.