New Zealand Cricket Hall of Fame Welcomes Jeremy Coney and Haidee Tiffen
Induction of Cricket Legends
New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has announced the induction of cricket icons Jeremy Coney and Haidee Tiffen into its Hall of Fame, marking the first additions since the inaugural 'First Eleven' was unveiled last summer.
Purpose of the Hall of Fame
The Hall of Fame, a collaborative effort between NZC, the New Zealand Cricket Players Association, and the New Zealand Cricket Museum, aims to honor the nation's finest cricketers. This initiative allows current players and fans to connect with the rich history of New Zealand cricket. The previous year's inaugural class included notable figures such as Bert Sutcliffe, Richard Hadlee, and Brendon McCullum.
Haidee Tiffen: A Remarkable All-Rounder
Haidee Tiffen, a prominent figure in New Zealand women's cricket, made her debut at just 19 against South Africa in 1999. Over her career, she played 128 international matches, including 53 as captain, and holds the record for 71 consecutive One Day Internationals (ODIs). Tiffen was instrumental in New Zealand's 2000 World Cup victory, scoring 187 runs at an impressive average of 46.75. As captain, she led the team to the 2009 World Cup final, amassing 279 runs at an average of 46.50, including a century against Pakistan.
Tiffen's accolades include being shortlisted for the ICC Women's Player of the Year in 2006. She participated in New Zealand's first women's T20I in 2004 and scored 124 runs in her Test career. In ODIs, she accumulated 2,919 runs at an average of 30.19, including one century and 18 fifties.
Jeremy Coney: A Fearless Leader
Jeremy Coney is celebrated as one of New Zealand's most fearless cricketers, having led the men's team to three historic Test series victories in 1985 and 1986 against Australia and England. Known for his exceptional skills in batting, bowling, and leadership, Coney was particularly effective in high-pressure situations.
His first Test century of 174 not out against England in 1984 came during a challenging match, showcasing his resilience. Coney's career spanned 52 Tests, where he scored 2,668 runs at an average of 37.57, including three centuries and 16 fifties. He also took 27 Test wickets and 54 in ODIs, contributing significantly to New Zealand's cricketing success.
Criteria for Induction
To be inducted into the Hall of Fame, players must have represented New Zealand and been retired for at least five years. Selections are based on exceptional performance, leadership, and influence in the sport. Coney and Tiffen will be honored at the New Zealand Cricket Awards on Thursday.