In the 70s and 80s, “The Naenae Express” had played alongside great Richard Hadlee. As a number 11 batsman, he was famous for his exploits and could frustrate the opposition with valuable runs down the order
At the ripe age of 68, former New Zealand fast bowler Ewen Chatfield has finally called it a day on his cricketing career. On Saturday, after he “slogged” all over the park playing for Naenae Old Boys in Wellington, he took the decision.
“It might seem silly but I have standards, even at 68, and if I can’t play to those standards, I thought it is time to flag it,” Ewen told Stuff.co.nz.
In the 70s and 80s, “The Naenae Express” had played alongside great Richard Hadlee. As a number 11 batsman, he was famous for his exploits and could frustrate the opposition with valuable runs down the order.
Most remembered for his debut Test match against England in 1975, he had a brilliant last wicket partnership of 44 with Geoff Howarth. In the same encounter, he had fractured his skull as he was hit on the head with a bouncer for Peter Lever.
His heart had stopped beating but a timely CPR from England physiotherapist Bernard Thomas saved his life.
A huge debate was raised about bowling bouncers to tailenders following the incident.
Before retiring, Chatfield had hoped to score a ton but unfortunately he could not better on his previous best of “fifty something” and all he could manage in the last match of his career was a golden duck.
He suggested a headline for his career even though he did not want it to be reported.
“The Naenae Express has run out of steam,” Chatfield said. "I would not mind that as a heading."
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