Hastings ends test career

Press, Volume CXVI, Issue 34103, 16 March 1976, Page 30

Hastings ends test career

One of New Zealand’s finest batsmen, during the most successful period since its entry into test cricket, has announced his retirement.

Brian Hastings of Canterbury said yesterday that he would no longer be available for international cricket, although he hoped to continue playing in the Shell series competition for his province. A decision on that will be made next season.

Hastings played in 31 tests, and in them scored 1510 runs at an average of 30.2. In his 79 matches for New Zealand, he made 3531 runs at an average of 33. He scored four test centuries.

He played some magnificent innings in tests for New Zealand. His first series, in 1968-69, was against the West Indies. In the second test. New Zealand, needing 164, lost its first three wickets for 39 against a fierce West Indies pace attack. Hastings batted 3 r hours for 62 not out and saw his side home to victory. A week later, in the third test. New Zealand had to follow on, 200 behind. Hastings scored a century in four hours and saved the match with his 117 not out.

He had good test scores in England and Pakistan on the 1969 tour, made a century in the West Indies in 1971-72 and. in his most handsome batting mood, scored a thrilling 86 at Lord’s in 1973.

Hastings scored another century’, against the Australians at Wellington, in 1974, and at Christchurch in the second match of the series he played one of the most valuable knocks of his test career.

In this thrilling, see-saw game, New Zealand, needing 228 in the final innings, was 62 for three when Hastings joined Glenn Turner. They fought the keen attack for 116 minutes, adding 115, and New Zealand went on to its most satisfying victory. Hastings, who_ is almost 36, has made 7554 runs in first-class cricket. Canterbury, and cricketers everywhere, will hope he will be able to add considerably to this impressive tally, which leaves him at present eighth of all New Zealand batsmen.