Astle To Retire.. Vincent Goin Over To Oz..

[mismaiden]

I have just heard the news that Nathan Astle is going to retire. Although he has been out of form recently
he has done excellent for his country, well done nathan! He will be a big loss for the kiwis leading up to the world cup.
Iam not 100% sure but i think young Lou Vincent has been called up to join the black caps in aussie.
Please correct me if iam wrong.

[Wanderer]

Wow, that's some news huh? Astle has always been one of my favourite kiwi players.

He was New Zealand's cricketer of the year in 1995, 1996 and 2002. (if you want all his stats, check out the black cap website...Nice!) http://www.cricketarchive.com/NewZea...2234/2234.html

And yes, Lou Vincent IS joining his mates in Oz today.

[Andy Mellon]

No big surprise to my mind.

I've been predicting this retirement since the start of the summer. He hasn't 'been there' mentally - from his body language in the test series and the one dayers, he has looked mentally spent.

I'm guessing that Bracewell had a chat to Astle today or yesterday and said that he was dropped for the next game and his position was being brought into question from his poor top order performances. Astle then threw in the towel.

A big shame as he's been one of those Kiwi players who don't have the best of test records, but have been integral to every success of theirs which he's played in. He's a player that Kiwis will remember up there with Jeff Crowe, Ken Rutherford and the like. I'm sure a few Englanders will remember his blistering Christchurch double-hundred rather fondly.

On another note, Lou Vincent should really have been out there in Australia already. His presence in the opening slot should strengthen the top order considerably.

On another note - the WAT Posting Milestones should probably be updated to include Nathan Astle, Shane Warne, Justin Langer and Glenn McGrath.... Got myself a little job there, eh?

[mismaiden]

WOW!! Thanks for that info wanderer. What a great player he was, On a Radio Sport interveiw today with brian waddell he said his mind was no longer on the game and rather then let his fellow team-mates down he wanted to stand back and let the young ones have a go. Good on him aye.. And yes Andy you made some good points. Lou Vincent is in pretty good form of late playing for Aucks, lets hope he can get some runs under his belt, I hope he gets a game tho!!

[Wanderer]

Did you see the wonderful tribute Martin Crowe paid to Astle? Here is an excerpt or 2..

Originally Posted by Martin Crowe

“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.

“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."

Nice huh?

[mismaiden]

Yeah that was so kewl.. Yip absoluty what he said was true. His record says it all. Iam so bummed i was kinda hoping he would see the world cup out but not to be, oh well he had his reasons and they need to be excepted,
Im sure my-self and many other cricket fans will remember him. Thanks for those bits and peices wanderer..

Well that game is nearly over guys sad...

[greg]

Nathan Astle has been an unsung hero of New Zealand cricket.Everybody goes on about Fleming being the best player but Astle has matched him throughout his long career.That double hundred against England was a magnificent display of Astle at his destructive best.They will find him hard to replace in the coming years.

[Tendlya]

Well done Nathan astle. we did witness some very good attacking cricket thanks to you over the years. Hundred against england at ahmedabad in 1996 WC was a very good knock which i wouldnt forget.

[vvvrulz]

He played some cracking knocks in his time, no question there. But I think lately especially he has been a liability, espeically when sides have been good enough to zone in on his pads and give him no room. Its really good to see the highly underrated Vincent get his chance and shine once again. Perhaps Astle's departure was a blessing in disguise.

[mismaiden]

Astle i will never forget his innings of 222 against england, i dont think any one will it was superb..
He had his reasons for moving on, so good luck to him in the future, it will be good to see him have
something to do with coaching younger teams in the future.
As for lou yes i must say i think he has done well for nz, It would be nice to see him get going in the
C/Haddlee series.