New Zealand Cricket Legends Jeremy Coney and Haidee Tiffen Join Hall of Fame

Celebrating New Zealand Cricket's Finest

Wellington, New Zealand - On March 25, it was announced that cricket icons Jeremy Coney and Haidee Tiffen will be inducted into the New Zealand Cricket (NZC) Hall of Fame. This marks the first addition to the Hall since the inaugural 'First Eleven' was unveiled last summer.

The Hall of Fame, a collaborative effort between New Zealand Cricket, the New Zealand Cricket Players Association, and the New Zealand Cricket Museum, aims to honor the nation's most exceptional cricketers, fostering a connection between current players and fans with the legends of the past.

Last summer's inaugural ceremony welcomed notable figures such as Bert Sutcliffe, John R. Reid, Jackie Lord, Trish McKelvey, Glenn Turner, Richard Hadlee, Debbie Hockley, Martin Crowe, Emily Drumm, Daniel Vettori, and Brendon McCullum, according to a press release from NZC.

Coney, who captained the New Zealand men's team during its first 'Golden Era' in the 1980s, and Tiffen, recognized as one of the top all-rounders from 1999 to 2009, are the first to be honored in this new phase.

Tiffen, a prominent figure in women's cricket, made her debut against South Africa at just 19 years old in 1999, accumulating 128 international appearances, including 53 as captain, and a remarkable streak of 71 consecutive ODIs.

She played a pivotal role in New Zealand's 2000 World Cup victory on home soil, scoring 187 runs at an average of 46.75, which included two fifties in her innings.

As captain, Tiffen led her team to the 2009 World Cup final in Australia, where she excelled with 279 runs at an average of 46.50, featuring a century against Pakistan in her second-to-last international match.

Her all-round capabilities earned her a nomination for the ICC Women’s Player of the Year in 2006, showcasing her exceptional batting and bowling skills. Tiffen also participated in New Zealand's first women's T20I against England in 2004 and scored 124 runs in her two Test matches.

Throughout her ODI career, Tiffen played 117 matches, amassing 2,919 runs at an average of 30.19, including a century and 18 fifties. In her two Test appearances, she scored 124 runs, and in nine T20Is, she contributed 121 runs.

Expressing her gratitude, Tiffen stated, 'Being inducted into the Hall of Fame is a tremendous honor, especially alongside my role models like Debbie Hockley, Sir Richard Hadlee, and Emily Drumm. Representing New Zealand was always a dream for me, and I cherish the friendships and memories cricket has given me.'

Coney, celebrated for his fearless spirit, captained the New Zealand men's team to three historic Test series victories in 1985 and 1986 against Australia and England, marking significant milestones for the team.

Known for his all-around skills in batting, bowling, and leadership, Coney was particularly adept in high-pressure situations. His first Test century of 174 not out against England in 1984 came after New Zealand faced a daunting 244-run deficit, showcasing his resilience.

The following season, he scored another unbeaten century, contributing to a thrilling two-wicket victory against Pakistan in Dunedin.

Over his 52 Test matches, Coney accumulated 2,668 runs at an average of 37.57, including three centuries and 16 fifties, while also taking 64 catches, primarily at second slip.

His medium-pace bowling earned him 27 Test wickets and 54 in ODIs, highlighted by a crucial four-wicket haul at Leeds in 1983, which secured New Zealand's first Test win in England. In 88 ODIs, he scored 1,874 runs at an average of 30.72, with eight fifties.

Reflecting on his journey, Coney reminisced about his childhood, saying, 'I remember spending afternoons on our tennis court with a ball and my brother's bat, dreaming of victories over England and Australia. To have those dreams come true is incredibly fulfilling.'

Coney expressed his appreciation for the recognition, stating, 'It’s been a fun and challenging journey. Being included alongside those I admire is beyond my expectations and deeply gratifying.'

To qualify for the Hall of Fame, inductees must have represented New Zealand and been retired for at least five years, with selections based on their outstanding performances, leadership, and influence in the sport.

Coney and Tiffen will be honored at the New Zealand Cricket Awards on Thursday.