Jamie How's absence will test CD's depth. Photo / Getty Images
He is a performer, prankster and packs a placid demeanour but Jamie How's teammates will always remember him as a tough and loyal customer on the field.
Devon Hotel Central Districts Stags batsman Jamie How yesterday officially announced he was stepping down from domestic cricket at the end of the Ford Trophy one-day campaign next month.
The 33-year-old from Manawatu, who is playing in the third round four-day Plunket Shield match against the Auckland Aces at Eden Park No 2 today, has taken up a corporate career with Toyota New Zealand.
"These are never easy decisions to make but the time has come to embrace an opportunity outside cricket," How said in a statement.
Indications were there last month that How would pull the stumps to an illustrious career that earned him the stripes to represent his country in 19 tests, 41 one-day internationals and five Twenty20s. He also captained the Black Caps during first-class matches on the 2007 tour of England.
In the final round of the domestic Georgie Pie Supersmash T20 competition, CD coach/convenor of selectors Heinrich Malan, in tandem with selectors Craig Ross, director of CD cricket, and Gary Cunningham, dropped How and last summer's captain, Kieran Noema-Barnett.
Speculation was rife that How was going to quit when he told Hawke's Bay Today he had "got the message" after his axing amid disclosure from Malan, based on this summer's T20 statistics, the pair hadn't hit their straps in two years.
How yesterday said he was looking forward to spending more quality time with his young family and establishing a career outside cricket, thanking his wife and "cricketing widow", Tammy.
"I am very proud to have played for my country and was very fortunate to play alongside and against some of the very best players in the world.
"Every game was a huge honour and privilege and I have many cherished memories that I will never forget."
CD bowling coach Lance Hamilton, who played alongside him and managed him for six years, said How made his debut in 2000-01 when former Black Caps spinner Dipak Patel was CD coach.
"When Howser debuted, he was a very shy young man, as most of them are," Hamilton said from Auckland yesterday.
"He epitomises what putting the team first is all about. At times he carried the weight of the team on his shoulders regardless of whether it was to boost the strike rate or the run rate in the four-dayers and he led from the front."
How skippered CD for six summers, leading them to victory in the 2008 HRV Cup and, subsequently, to the Champions League, as well as the 2012-13 Ford Trophy.
He has racked up 16 first-class centuries and 38 half tons, as well as 149 catches, in whites.
A slips merchant, he has four one-day domestic centuries to his credit, 29 half tons and 80 catches. How has also smashed a highest score of 102 runs from 74 T20 matches.
He remains the only player to be part of partnerships of more than 400 in first-class matches (with retired Peter Ingram in 2009-10), 300 in List A (including the first to score a double-ton).
Hamilton (left) said How also took a steely resolve to the field and never shied from a confrontation.
"He was fierce and and very proud of the Stags," he said, adding his loyalty never wavered despite other associations chasing him.
Hamilton said CD would miss his pranks of scattering Will Young's gear at the end of the day or "short sheeting" players' hotel bedding.
"He's tough but also I can say as a manager a great bloke and mate. I'm sure he'll test our depth and experience but as a team we'll move on and he'll be sorely missed."
How thanked all his coaches, teammates, friends, family and fans. He wished CD the best for the rest of the season.