Ewan Chatfield, former Kiwi pacer calls it a day at the age of 68

Ewan John Chatfield, the former New Zealand fast bowler has finally retired from the game of cricket at the ripe age of 68. Chatfield played for New Zealand from 1975-1989 featuring in 43 Tests and 114 ODIs. Chatfield hailed from Dannevirke, Manawatu in New Zealand and was known for his accuracy more and not his pace.

He picked 123 Test and 140 ODI wickets respectively and spent most of his career as the bowling partner of the more illustrious Sir Richard Hadlee. Chatfield, known as ‘The Naenae Express’, is famous for being part of the New Zealand side’s first ever Test series win over England and Australia, both at home and away.

Subjected to one of the most sickening injuries on-field

Chatfield made his Test debut for New Zealand against England in 1975 in Auckland and had an unforgettable match, but due to wrong reasons. He was in a last-wicket partnership with Geoff Howarth, that was frustrating the England team. England fast bowler Peter Lever bowled a bouncer at Chatfield and in the days before helmets and protective gear became the norm, Chatfield was hit flush on his skull, which resulted in a skull fracture.

He lost his consciousness and even his heart stopped beating for a while and had swallowed his tongue. He was brought back to life by English physiotherapist Bernard Thomas, who administered a heart massage to get his heart beating again.

Retirement from the game

After retiring from international cricket, Chatfield coached the Hutt Valley association, worked in a chip shop, drove a dairy van and worked as a courier and was a taxi driver in Wellington. But his love for the game saw him play cricket well into his 60s.

Chatfield called it a day, at the age of 68, after being taken to the cleaners playing for Naenae Old Boys in Wellington on Saturday (Jan 26). “It might seem silly but I have standards, even at 68, and if I can’t play to those standards, I thought it is time to flag it,” he told Stuff.co.nz.

~ Written by Jatin Sharma