"I'd like to have progressed into coaching and I will always give back at a local level but that sort of thing is so hit-and-miss for opportunities. There's no real pathway.
"I can understand why sportspeople get depressed. You feel like you're not wanted after playing the game for so long when everything is done for you. It's hard to grasp where you're going next. It really played on my mind as the main breadwinner with a young family."
Sinclair, whose heroic 214 against the West Indies remains the highest score by a New Zealander on test debut, has advice for the next generation.
"Any opportunity a young cricketer can seize in a working or study environment is invaluable to get a plan B. Get involved in a business, learn the art of customer service or sweep floors to be part of a working team. You're not going to get far in the real world if you sit at home dawdling between practices and games.
"I'd still like to see associations utilise their sponsors more to do that. Sponsors have an affiliation because they love the game. Get them talking with cricketers to make an easier transition into the workforce.
"I was institutionalised with cricket. It's all I've ever known. People will probably say, 'why did you do that?' but I wanted to be the best I could. That was my focus. I started to look outside the game only three years ago. I'd start getting worried in February and March about my family's financial security and my form tended to drop away."
Grant Elliott
5 tests, 51 ODIs, 3T20s for New Zealand (2008- )
Wellington (1996- )
At 35, Elliott is a realist. He knows finding a way into a middle order which reads Kane Williamson, Ross Taylor, Brendon McCullum and Cory Anderson or Jimmy Neesham is a tough ask but hasn't given up on a place in New Zealand's World Cup squad.
"I can produce a Stephen Donald moment, should it be required," Elliott laughs.
His recent form is no joke. Consecutive List A centuries against Scotland A (109 off 104 balls and 103 off 51 balls) and an average of 51.60 on the New Zealand A UK tour suggest Elliott remains a capable batsman. His leadership is also rated by Brendon McCullum. But nevertheless he's laying down an insurance policy with a university degree.
"I'm finishing a BA in applied management, majoring in strategic management," Elliott says.
He plans to graduate this year.
"Professional sport is demanding and the nature of cricket means there are probably more downs than ups.
"The players' association makes sure you realise cricket isn't the be-all and end-all of life and that you can put unnecessary pressure on yourself if it becomes the sole focus. You need to compartmentalise with a balanced lifestyle.
"The NZCPA has put us in front of business mentors for advice and made it clear we need to be aware of life after cricket. It's not forced down our throats. Players have to be proactive but, even at 25 years old when a player might be experiencing the 'university of life' through league cricket in the UK, he should be thinking about his future."
Brad Cachopa
Auckland, Canterbury (2010- )
Cachopa required shoulder surgery during winter which prevented him playing league cricket in Britain. He was faced with the vulnerability of being a domestic cricketer who has to wait until October for the annual six-month contracts to begin.
"The injury made me realise that, at any stage, you may have to walk away from the game when the choice is not yours," Cachopa said.
The wicketkeeper-batsman is returning to Auckland from Canterbury this season. In the interim, he's worked on his career skills at Whitcoulls' Queen Street branch, where he was employed part-time as a supervisor in the online team developing business avenues and following up key accounts.
"I'm 26 and my CV was lean. I have just completed my accountancy degree and I decided to get some work experience so I'm in a better position to transition into the workforce.
"One of my goals is to build a working profile that will allow me to step away from cricket, on my terms or not, and be employable at a level that can support a family.
"When we start out, these are factors we don't often consider. I believe you can throw yourself at the game, give everything you have, but still have the time to study or work."
