New Zealand Cricket pays tribute to Hedley Howarth

Former test cricketer Hedley Howarth, who has passed away at age 64, made an outstanding contribution to New Zealand cricket at all levels.

New Zealand Cricket CEO Justin Vaughan said today that while Howarth would be remembered as one of the country’s most prominent left-arm slow bowlers, he was also highly respected for his work off the field.

Howarth made his first class debut in 1962 and played his first test in 1969. “Hedley was part of a test era in the early seventies that saw New Zealand performing consistently on the world stage. His bowling was a big factor in that success,” said Vaughan.

“Hedley has a significant place in our international cricket history – his five-wicket bag against India at Nagpur in 1969 was a match-winner that helped give New Zealand its first ever test win on the sub-continent.”

“He remained closely involved in the game after his retirement – especially in Auckland – and his loss will be keenly felt by the cricketing community throughout New Zealand.”

Howarth played a total of 30 test matches, taking 86 wickets at an average of 36.95. He retired from test cricket in March 1977.