Cricket: Top captain and keeper retires

By RICHARD BOOCK

New Zealand cricket yesterday lost its most tactically astute first-class captain, and arguably the most reliable wicketkeeper in the country.

That was the reaction of Northern Districts and sometimes-New Zealand assistant coach Bruce Blair after the news that stalwart gloveman Robbie Hart was retiring from the game at all levels.

Hart played a vital role for New Zealand after the retirement of Adam Parore in 2002, fashioning a reputation as a gritty and determined campaigner in a career comprising 11 tests and two one-day internationals.

His biggest contribution, however, was undoubtedly as a mainstay of the Northern Districts' side over a 12-year period, the most recent seven as captain and - according to Blair - the last few as the best tactician in the competition.

"I reckon Bob [Hart] was probably New Zealand's best first-class captain over the past three or four years," Blair said.

"In a tactical sense he was extremely good; probably more calculating and scientific than instinctive, and a good person to talk to about the game.

"He's also been the most reliable catcher of a cricket ball we've had over the past couple of seasons, and a bloody good bloke - which is the bit we'll probably miss most about him."

Hart, who played 85 consecutive matches for Northern and set the record for most catches (229), had a crucial role in New Zealand's historic test series win in the West Indies two years ago, when he scored a half-century during his team's win at Bridgetown, and then helped to save the series with a defiant knock at Grenada.

The 29-year-old also played a vital hand in last year's first-test rescue against India at Ahmedabad, adding 38 runs for the eighth wicket as New Zealand, with Daniel Vettori in control, strode past the follow-on mark and to relative safety.

He was dropped last summer for the widely accepted promotion of Brendon McCullum.

Hart said yesterday that he was looking forward to exploring other opportunities in life with his wife, Sarah.

Auckland coach Mark O'Donnell said: "Robbie's exactly the type of cricketer that New Zealand can ill-afford to lose.

"He's one of those vastly experienced and well-respected players who's good to have around the game.

"I thought he played a really important role when Parore retired."