Sporting icons : Richard Hadlee - the great Kiwi fast bowler & all rounder, career HLs & video

 


Richard Hadlee, born on July 3, 1951, is a former New Zealand cricketer renowned for his exceptional all-round abilities. Often regarded as one of the greatest fast bowlers in the history of cricket, Hadlee's career spanned from 1973 to 1990. He was the first player to take 400 wickets in Test cricket, a milestone that highlighted his dominance with the ball. In addition to his impressive bowling, Hadlee was also a capable batsman, contributing significantly to New Zealand's successes during his playing years. His contributions to cricket were recognized with numerous accolades, including his induction into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame.


**Career Highlights of Richard Hadlee**


**Test Cricket:**

1. **First Player to Take 400 Test Wickets:** Richard Hadlee was the first bowler in cricket history to achieve the milestone of 400 Test wickets, setting a new benchmark for fast bowlers.

   

2. **Best Test Figures:** Hadlee's best bowling figures in a Test match were 15 wickets for 123 runs against Australia in Brisbane in 1985. This included 9 for 52 in the first innings, which remains one of the best bowling performances in Test cricket history.


3. **All-Round Excellence:** He scored 3,124 runs in 86 Test matches at an average of 27.16, including two centuries and 15 fifties. With the ball, he took 431 wickets at an average of 22.29, with 36 five-wicket hauls and nine ten-wicket match hauls.


4. **1985-86 Series vs Australia:** Hadlee was instrumental in New Zealand's historic series win in Australia, taking 33 wickets in three matches at an average of 12.15.


5. **Sir Richard Hadlee Medal:** In recognition of his contributions, the annual award for the best New Zealand cricketer is named the Sir Richard Hadlee Medal.


**One-Day Internationals (ODIs):**

1. **ODI Wickets:** Hadlee played 115 ODIs, taking 158 wickets at an average of 21.56, with an economy rate of 3.30, which was exceptional for his era.


2. **Best ODI Figures:** His best ODI bowling figures were 5 for 25 against Sri Lanka in 1983.


3. **Batting in ODIs:** In ODIs, Hadlee scored 1,751 runs at an average of 21.61, with four half-centuries and a highest score of 79.


4. **All-Round Contributions:** His all-round capabilities made him a valuable asset in the shorter format, providing both breakthrough wickets and crucial runs down the order.


**Playing Style:**

- **Bowling:** Richard Hadlee was known for his impeccable line and length, combined with the ability to swing the ball both ways. His bowling was characterized by a smooth, rhythmic run-up and a high-arm action that allowed him to generate pace and movement. He was particularly adept at exploiting seam conditions and using the new ball effectively.

  

- **Batting:** As a batsman, Hadlee was a right-handed middle-order player known for his solid technique and ability to play crucial & highly aggressive innings under pressure. Though not as dominant with the bat as he was with the ball, he could score valuable runs and build partnerships, often rescuing New Zealand from difficult situations.


- **Fielding:** Hadlee was also a reliable fielder, particularly in the slips, where his safe hands contributed to many dismissals.


**Legacy:**

Hadlee's career is celebrated for his relentless pursuit of excellence and his significant impact on New Zealand cricket. His achievements set a high standard for future generations, and his name remains synonymous with fast bowling prowess and all-round cricketing excellence.


In the below video , watch one of Hadlee great bowling spells in test cricket vs England in 1984 



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