A medium-fast bowler with one of the better hitting eyes in the game, Richard Petrie flashed over the cricket horizon in the summer of 1990-91 playing 12 one-day internationals. And from that point until he retired from first-class cricket in 1999-00, that was the only time he played international cricket. A bowler capable of extracting disconcerting lift, Petrie's aspirations were dealt a severe blow when he suffered an Achilles tendon injury. It reduced his speed considerably and he reverted to more guile to secure his wickets. His hitting ability made him an invaluable prospect in one-day cricket, a point utilised by Wellington after his transfer there from Canterbury in 1993-94. While he achieved a first-class century, his highest score in one-day games was 85, but there was no doubt bowlers around the country breathed a sigh of relief when they no longer had to contend with a Petre firestorm at the crease. His 135 wickets in one-day games were secured at an economy rate of 4.23 while his 134 first-class wickets cost 30.43 runs each.
Lynn McConnell (September 2004)