Good Sports: Brad Kneebone

Brad Kneebone could be what New Zealand Cricket need for their test side. Described as a "tough and uncompromising" batsman by his Northland coach Stephen Cunis, Kneebone is a keen learner. The opener works hard on his game, loves a battle on the field, and never takes a backward step. Kneebone is currently in England plying his trade, hoping to return as a Northland Cricket junior coach. Here is what he had to say to the Northern Advocate.

How did you get into cricket? What would be your favourite memory so far?

I first got into cricket really young, I remember watching Dad play for Onerahi and thought it looked like fun so I gave it a crack, and I've been loving it ever since. There are a few good memories already through cricket. But, a couple of standout highlights would be wining the two-day competition with Onerahi Cricket Club earlier this year and making my debut for Northland.

You've been described as a tough and uncompromising batsman, is this true? What goes through your head when you're out in the middle?

That's one way to describe how I bat I suppose, I just look to enjoy the challenge each time I start an innings and get stuck in.

Where are you playing currently? How did you get into that?

I'm currently playing in a town in Hampshire called Alton playing for their local club team. I got the deal through an Onerahi player who had played a season there and was heading back, they were looking for a young overseas player so he asked me to come along.

What sort of goals do you have for your cricket?

In the future, playing first class cricket would be great, but performing well in club cricket and for Northland is the main goal at this stage.

Who, if any, are your role models? Does having the likes of Stephen Cunis and Joey Yovich around help in your development?

Yeah, all those blokes around the Northland set-up are great role models, it's great as a young cricketer to have the likes of Joey Yovich, Stephen Cunis and the Parlanes to help you out. They've all played a lot of cricket at the top level so I try learn as much as I can off them. I've definitely developed a lot over the past few years with their help.