Sir Richard Hadlee is the first New Zealander to be inducted into the cricket hall of fame. Photo / Mark Mitchell
It was fitting that New Zealand's finest cricketer, Sir Richard Hadlee, should receive his induction into the sport's hall of fame at the Basin Reserve yesterday.
The Wellington ground was the scene of two of Hadlee's most famous performances, when he took seven for 23 to rout India for 81
in 1976, and again in getting six for 26 to dismiss England for 64 two years later to secure New Zealand's first win over its oldest rival.
Sir Richard is the first New Zealander to be named in the International Cricket Council's hall of fame and was presented with his ceremonial cap at the lunch break in the third test against India yesterday.
The former test wicket world record-holder, who finished with 431 wickets at an average of 22.29 apiece, described it as "a wonderful honour bestowed on me".
"This is a special moment in my life. To be one of the first 55 inducted, I can tell you it doesn't get any better than that."
Hadlee paid tribute to his father, Walter. "He was a wonderful influence on my cricket career and my life," he said.
The 55 inductees comprise 22 Englishmen, 13 West Indians, 11 Australians, three each from Pakistan and India, two from South Africa and Sir Richard.
