Coaxed out of retirement
Almost two decades after he retired, a former Black Caps opening bowler has returned to the crease as a steady opening batsman.
And he has set his sights on a return to bowling next season.
Andrew Penn played five onedayers and toured with New Zealand between 1997 and 2001, on top of a domestic career for Central Districts and Wellington. He played his last match for Wellington in December 2003. That was it for 17 years.
But this summer, having last year returned to Whanganui, the 46-year-old was persuaded to turn out for club side Whanganui United.
He has fashioned a decent enough record as an opening batsman that he even played a couple of games for the rep team – his first for Whanganui in 25 years. In the team’s final match of the season, against Horowhenua Kapiti, he made 47 and 32 not out.
Penn and wife Jill were working as lawyers in Wellington and had talked about moving back to the provinces – he is from Whanganui, she is from Taranaki. Then, last year, the pair and their children made the move.
Penn is a principal at law firm Treadwell Gordon, where Whanganui and Whanganui United cricketer Simon Badger is a partner.
In early October, Badger persuaded Penn, who became a Whanganui Cricket board member over the winter, to come to training.
‘‘I went and had a net, and it all went from there,’’ Penn said.
‘‘I haven’t bowled at all this summer [in matches]. I have bowled a few times in the nets. I could barely walk the next day.’’
But Penn has not given up on returning to the bowling crease, vowing to work on his fitness over the winter so he can deliver effective medium-fast seam next season. His batting has been a revelation. He averages about 50 for the reps and about 40 in club matches.
Gone is the pressure and anxiety of a young player looking to make an impression. ‘‘I am pretty limited to be honest.
‘‘I have only got a couple of shots – the drive and the square cut – and base my game around that,’’ he said. ‘‘I have just really enjoyed it.
‘‘I have loved being around the guys and being able to pass on some coaching ideas and experience.’’
Modestly, Penn said he only turned out for Whanganui because the rep team was short of players.
‘‘The idea of me playing if I am keeping a talented youngster out does not sit comfortably ...
‘‘I have been playing with quite a few old mates’ sons, guys I was in the [Whanganui Collegiate] first XI with.’’
He said Whanganui cricket was at a low ebb but positive developments, such as a new indoor training centre, would help the association turn around its fortunes.
He is impressed with the performances of the Black Caps over the past six or seven years, noting their depth and talent. Penn is not sure if he would be part of the Twenty20 circuit if he played today, saying the red ball game was his strength – he took 252 wickets in first-class cricket at 23 runs apiece.
His five internationals, in which he took one wicket, were spread over four years. He toured India, South Africa and England, but admits his tough international bow took its toll.
‘‘I had a bad run with injuries and did not take my opportunities when they came and, to be honest, probably did not train with the degree of intensity and commitment that is necessary to succeed at that level,’’ he said.
‘‘I do, however, look back with fondness atmy first-class career.
‘‘I made a lot of good friends, played some really good cricket and was lucky enough to play in an era where you could go to varsity while playing and get qualifications to enable a fulfilling life after cricket.’’