BLACKCAPS fans have been quick to pay their own tributes to Nathan Astle, who retired this week.
If you want to contribute, please use the 'Feedback' section at the top of the story.
- Will really miss Astle he has been one reason why I watch the BLACKCAPS and is one of my favourite players I wish him all the best - Scott Sherwin, Christchurch
- Our family have enjoyed the performances of Nathan Astle and admired his commitment and skill offered to both country and province - his record is one of New Zealand’s best. We wish him every success in his next phase -Rowe Family, Rangiora
- Nathan, I don’t know if you’ll get to read this but if you do – Thank-you. Thank-you for 16 one day tons. Thank-you for 7000 runs. Thank-you for 99 test wickets (what, you couldn’t get 1 more!!) but most of all, thank-you for Saturday, March 16, 2002. We were playing at the Auckland domain (and had lost horribly if I recall) when we were fortunate enough to witness the finest display of savagery the world has seen since Ghengis Khan woke up one day and fancied a trip to China. It was in a word, awesome. And from that day on, for those that didn’t think so already, you were a legend. Not just for beating Gilchrest’s recent double ton speed record by about 60 balls. Not for losing more balls in a test than Buck Shelford. Not for humiliating a team so badly that when they did actually win, they looked like losers. But you are a legend because we now knew that as long as Nathan was in the side…. ANY side against any team, we were in with a chance. You will be missed, but enjoy your retirement Nate, can I call you Nate? You can call me Andy if you like. Thanks again for the years you’ve given us and all the best - Andrew Bissett
- All respect to Nathan Astle for making this move. He’s a great person, fantastic cricketer, I wish him all the happiness after cricket. It has been evident that he hasn’t been enjoying his game, and I think that’s why he hasn’t been able to contribute with the bat. He picked his time independently and deserves all respect. Maybe he will enjoy teaching others about the game and his experience after he has a bit of a break from the game. Good luck and enjoy your life! - Ruboczki Attila
- Nath, Appreciate all the memories. When you ravaged england for your 222, haha I missed half because I may have even been you on the tennis court playing back yard cricket at my hall of residence!! I am so sad you have decided that this is the end of the road for you in terms of international cricket, but I know that you will be remembered as our greatest one day international batsman and boy, there are not many who won't remember the 222!! I know I have the DVD! You have shaped an era of New Zealand cricket and have always been the rock around which winning totals are built. Plus I always thought your bowling was underrated!! Good on ya Nathan. Hope you find joy in whatever you do following cricket. - Tim Connole
- Thanks Nathan for all the wonderful highlights you've provided with bat and ball. The highlight for me most definitely was the double ton in the test match but I'm also thankful that in the only international game I've been to live, (against the World XI in Wellington), I was able to witness first hand your natural batting ability and was able to stand and clap in unison with the other fans at Westpac stadium when you scored your century. Even though the Blackcaps didn't win that game your performance was the highlight of the game and for that I thank you - Kenrick Neilson, Upper Hutt
- Like many, I will miss the NJ Astle name at the top or middle of the Nz order, and it'll take sometime to get used to it not being there. Luckily like many I have plenty of memories to re-visit, plus the 222 dvd in my dvd draw(which i'll watch again today!). Cheers for such great service and enjoyment, and for being such a bloody good bloke. I hope you write a book on your career, it would be a great read, but i'm guessing its probably just not you. I guess we hoped you could play forever, i know i never wanted this day to come....happy travels and God speed - Marc Dalton, Tauranga
- Dear Nath u just broke my heart, im ot expecting this not before the world cup, but it ur decision & we have to welcome it, it would have been great to see u in blacks for the world cup. i really enjoyed watchin u & all the blackcaps, u r one of my favourite cricketers. i just want to request u one thing if u read this please do not go away from the cricket. An Indian Fan of Blackcaps - Anil Sehrawat, India
- r u still gonna play domestic cricket for canterbury so i can still see u play - Matt, Christchurch
- Nath You are great. No you are a legend. No you are a mortal. The reason why you are is not because u hit 222 against england, not because you took the most spectacular catch ive ever seen. The reason why is because you loved the game and you represanted New Zealand like a hero. In tests and one-dayers you performed for New Zealand. Have a gr8 retirement Nathan You deserve it - Roshan Govind, Wellington
- NATH, YOU'VE BEEN A LEGEND FOR THE NZ PEOPLE! & THE BLACK CAPS FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS TO LOOK UP TOO,BEST INNINGS OF 222 I'VE EVER SEEN.YOUR LEGACY WILL LIFE ON FOR EVER & EVER - Richard Whitaker, Leigh
- Nathan Astle thank you very much for your contribution to New Zealand you really have been a great role model both on and off the field, as a black cap fan I really enjoyed watching you bat,bowl and take great catches. I will miss you very much as both a player and an individual and would like wish you all the best in all your future endeavours and hope that you will continue to stay involved in our great game of cricket, goodbye mate and thanks for the memories. Yours Sincerely - Romesh Selvanayagam, Geelong, Australia
- Nathan - Thank you for all the great cricket. One thing I always appreciated in you was the no-fuss approach to the game, you don't talk too much, just quietly win the game for NZ. I always thought your bowling was underrated too. Good luck. I'll never forget THAT CATCH - Kate, Hamilton
- Nath, it has been a total pleasure watching you play for NZ over the years - you were my inspiration for taking up the game as just a young lass and have followed your every move. I feel privileged to have seen one of the greatest kiwi cricketers in my time. Thanks for your inspiring knocks, you will be sorely missed by all. Good luck - Juliette Sivertsen, Christchurch
- crickets not going to be the same without you astle, your a legend. ill really miss watching you play - Pip, Auckland
- Cheers for the memories Nath i will always remember your 222 - Daniel, Tauranga
- Nathan you've been a high quality player and a pleasure to watch. Your double century against Eng which I had the pleasure of being present at Jade; is the best innings I've seen. I hope to see you play for Canterbury again. I'm sure all NZ cricket fans would agree with me in wishing you well in any future endeavours. Thanks for the memories - Scott F, Christchurch
- Hey Nathan, I am an australian but i am a kiwi fan in every sport. I have enjoyed watching you play for the last 8 years. You were my favourite player from when i was a kid. You used to open the batting as if it was the last over, yet you didn't get out. I hope you enjoy yourself away from cricket. I have been amazed with how well you bat. You originally came into the team as a bowler, yet some how, you made your way to opener. Great courage. Thanx nathan mate. Go the kiwis - Johnny Williams, Ayr, Queensland, Australia
- HEY CHEERS FOR ALL THE BIG HITS AYE YOUR THE MAN ONE OF THE BEST NZ PLAYERS EVER!! - Andy, Auckland
- done well for new zealand over the years and it's taken a great effort to retire before the world cup. he will be missed and it brings to the end of a great time for new zealand cricket - Michael, Gold Coast
- What a shame Nathan wont be there for the World Cup. As we have all seen his class on his day.Thanks Nathan been great to watch - Anthony Wallis, Auckland
- There is no doubt both the world of cricket and esp NZ will miss good 'old Nath. He's given many of us a lot of wonderful memories and we all wish him best in his future - Victoria, Melbourne, Australia
- I was driving home on Thursday evening listening to the radio when a call came in suggesting the Nathan was to retire. I felt as though I had lost a family member. What a loss for world cricket. There are so many performances to remember. Here are my top 3. The 222 which has been well mentioned but what a day. Being at Eden Park and seeing first hand Nath hit Mcgrath the most glourious back foot drive that rates as the best looking shot I ever seen. Thirdly Nathans gutsy performance against India in Ahmedabad in the second innings with Nath having the Delhi belly being as white as his clothes coming in at number 8 and lasting around 40 overs to save the test match with an unbeaten 50. It was the gutsiest performance one would ever watch. Thanks Nath all the best for the future - Andrew Cassin, Auckland
- Nath, enjoy your retirement. Your performances for the black caps in the last 12 years have been outstanding. The public will not realise how much you meant to the team until we try and replace you, and replacing you is going to be almost impossible as you are head and shoulders the best ODI batsman this country has produced, certainly the most consistent. Your 222 was outstanding but I also think your century in 2001 against Australia was special too. Good luck mate - Tex, Waimate
- Thanks for all the memories nath you are a hero & saviour for the black caps & give great inspiration to the troops youve just been unlucky in the commonwealth bank series with batting but youve still shown you're expertise in the field good luck for your future once again thanks for your time & contribution for our country - Mick Sewell, Canberra
