Hamish Bennet, the New Zealand quick bowler, has decided to hang up his boots of international cricket after 2021-22 season, finally closing the chapter after rendering the services for more than a decade. He first made his appearance for the Black Caps in 2010 and was last seen on the field in 2020.
The pacer does not have impressive figures in the international circuit since he could make it to only 19 ODIs, and 11 T20Is, however, he has pretty appealing stats in the domestic arena. Playing the first Test in the inaugural year of joining, he failed to manage any wicket versus India and was not seen playing in the format later.
The 35-year old has bagged 33 ODI wickets making his debut versus Bangladesh in 2010. He has maintained an average of 24.84 and at an economy of 5.51. As far as t20I cricket is concerned Bennet made his debut versus the men in blue in 2020 and last took charge of his duties against Bangladesh in September 2021. Since then, he has only 10 scalps to his name.
Bennet was also named in New Zealand's squad for the ICC World Cup 2011, however, he was sidelined later amidst the injury. The series of subsequent injuries kept him away from multiple international fixtures, not letting him finish his career on a higher note. But, it will be unjust to say that he has not made his name in the domestic book.
The Black Cap has grasped 12 domestic titles including five Plunket Shields, two Ford Trophy titles, and four men’s Super Smash titles. He even won a women’s Super Smash title as Wellington Blaze’s bowling coach.
Telling New Zealand Cricket about his satisfaction with his career, he stated,
“When I started out as a young kid bowling in the nets in Timaru, I never dreamed I would have gone on to enjoy the career that I’ve had. From Old Boys Timaru Cricket Club, who got me involved in cricket at the start, Timaru Boys’ High School, South Canterbury Cricket, Canterbury Cricket, Cricket Wellington, and New Zealand Cricket, as well as all the other great clubs I’ve played for down the years, they’ve all played a role in helping me achieve my cricket dream,”
“I’ve been so fortunate to work and play alongside so many great players, captains, and coaches and I’d like to thank every one of them for their support over the years. It’s been an honour to represent my family and my country for New Zealand and those memories and experiences will be ones that I cherish and tell stories about for the rest of my life,”
