An all-rounder coming from the stables of Canterbury, Astle was a free spirited cricketer known for his aggressive batting and parsimonious bowling. Add to his super fielding especially in the slip cordon, he was a complete package as a cricketer. Astle made his international Test debut against Zimbabwe in January, 1996 but it was during the tour of West Indies that Astle began to assert himself as a batsman of the highest calibre. Two centuries on that tour bracketed him to be amongst one of the better batsmen for New Zealand.

Glenn Turner, the coach of Astle on that tour must be credited with the development of his game. Astle’s best was the superb knock of 222 against England at the Jade Stadium, Christchurch. Astle completed his 200 off just 153 balls. This is still the record for the fastest 200 in Test cricket and was involved in a 118 run partnership with Chris Cairns for the 10th wicket as New Zealand chased an improbable 550 for victory.

Nathan Astle was more at home in the shorter formats of the game and represented New Zealand in 3 World Cups before announcing his retirement weeks before the 2007 WC citing lack of motivation. He is only the second Kiwi player to have scored more than 7000 ODI runs. He reserved his best against India scoring 5 of his 16 ODI tons against them.

Astle ended a fine career with more then 7000 ODI runs as well and has been recognized as one of the all time greats for New Zealand in One Day Cricket. But for his laid back attitude, Astle might have even become the captain of the New Zealand team.

Astle had a brief stint with the ICL representing Mumbai Champs and now works as a coach for a leading club in New Zealand.

By Pradeep Krishnamurthy