Published: Sep 15, 2016, 03:42 PM (IST)
Edited: Sep 15, 2016, 03:50 PM (IST)
Born September 15, 1971, Nathan Astle can be categorised as one of the best opener of his time. Astle has scored most ODI centuries (16) for a New Zealand player. The 44-year-old has 16 centuries to his name in ODIs, which is the most by any Kiwi batsman in this format. Astle has a unique record of scoring the fastest double century in Tests off just 153 balls in 2002 against England at Christchurch. In terms of time spent on crease his double century is only second to that of Sir Donald Bradman. Astle is one of the most attacking opener scoring 7,090 runs at an average of 34.92 with the help of 16 centuries and 41 half-centuries. It would have been great to see him bat in the T20 era, he could play only four T20I and score 74 runs which will does not reflect the contribution he could have given in T20 circuit.
Astle was effective with the ball too taking 99 wickets in ODIs, 51 in Tests and 4 in T20Is. Astle has played only 81 Tests and scored 4,702 runs at an average of 37.02, hitting 11 centuries and 24 half-centuries. Astle is also the second highest run-scorer for BlackCaps in ODIs and sixth in Tests. He had a terrific runs in ICC World Cup 2003 blasting 213 runs in seven innings, he falls into the category of big-hitters as well hitting humongous sixes, smashing the ball out of the park.
Only a few people know that Astle also played football, he featured for Rangers A.F.C side in Christchurch. Astle had a 12 year-long career, he retired exactly one day after completing 12 years in international cricket.
Astle started his ODI career on January 22, 1995 and ended it January 23, 2007. It came as a surprise that Astle retired only months before ICC World Cup 2007. He also played for Mumbai Champs in ICL in 2007, can be considered as a reason he did not feature in Indian Premier League’s inaugural season (IPL).
