NZ batsman ‘had a weakness in the 170s’
Former New Zealand test cricket captain Bevan Congdon died on Saturday, one day short of his 80th birthday, after a long illness.
Congdon led New Zealand to their first test win over Australia at Christchurch in 1974.
He was one of New Zealand’s finest all-rounders, scoring seven centuries in 61 tests and taking 59 wickets over a 13-year test career.
As well as captaining New Zealand to its first test win, he also played a crucial role in the first victory against England 40 years ago, scoring 44 in New Zealand’s first innings.
Congdon, who represented Canterbury, Central Districts, Otago and Wellington, was at his best in the early-to-mid-1970s, averaging 88.50 on the 1972 tour of the West Indies, and 72.40 on the tour of England a year later.
It was on this tour that Congdon scored 176 in the first test at Trent Bridge and 175 in the second test at Lord’s, prompting the timeless remark from BBC radio commentator Brian Johnston that he appeared ‘‘to have a weakness in the 170s’’.
Congdon continued contributing to the game well after his retirement, featuring on the New Zealand selection panel in the late 1990s.
NZC chief executive David White said Congdon had been a shining light in New Zealand’s test renaissance through the 1970s.
‘‘Bevan was at the centre of the New Zealand team at a time it started gaining attention on the international cricket scene for the all the right reasons - in no small part due to his leadership and ability,’’ White said.
‘‘He’s left a real legacy in terms of putting New Zealand cricket on the map, and I know the wider cricketing family – not just in New Zealand but worldwide, will be mourning his loss.’’
New Zealand Cricket Players Association chief executive Heath Mills paid tribute to Congdon’s impact, and his influence on the country’s cricket fortunes.
‘‘Bevan played in a largely amateur era for New Zealand cricketers and made great sacrifices for the good of the game here,’’ Mills said. ‘‘He wasn’t only relevant to his peers and teammates, but to everyone since who’s been inspired by his exploits and boosted by his willingness to help.’’
Congdon is survived by his wife Shirley, his daughters Ali and Sandy, and grand-children Matthew, Joshua, Lily and Reeves.