Former BLACKCAPS captain Martin Crowe has paid tribute to Nathan Astle, his one-time team-mate who announced his retirement from international cricket today (Friday).
Crowe and Astle toured India together in 1995, with the batsmen at either end of prestigious careers.
Crowe recalled: "I batted at the other end in witnessing Nathan's first of his 16 superb ODI centuries in Nagpur 1995.
“It was my last game and upon my retirement I stated that the toughest thing I'd miss would be the enjoyment of batting alongside the likes of Fleming and Astle.
“Nathan was a fantastic talent and a true match winner in the one day game. I will miss him charging the fastest of opening bowlers, smashing them fearlessly back over their heads to the boundary. I will miss his ability to control the innings through to the end after establishing a run rate at the start.
“His 16 tons for NZ will not be matched for a long, long time. He won more matches for NZ than any before and most likely any in the future.
“I worked with him closely on his batting over a few years and discovered within him a genuine appetite for becoming the best he could be.
“He made adjustments to improve his game and was rewarded for his hard work and determination. Uncomplicated as he was he was also humble and unselfish in his attitude to the game.
“Sadly though, the game and all that goes with it, has caught up with him. Let's not work out why he's gone but rather let's all remember his style of play, his all-round brilliance, his humility and his outstanding contribution to the game.
“A truly magnificent player, Nathan was an absolute privilege to bat with."
