A hard-working, accurate fast-medium bowler who, like his contemporary Richard Hadlee, seemed to get better with age Ewen Chatfield had an unforgetable Test debut against England at Auckland in 1974-75, but for all the wrong reasons. After a stubborn defensive innings at No. 11, he was struck on the temple by Peter Lever. His heart stopped and he swallowed his tongue and only mouth-to-mouth resuscitation and heart massage by Bernard Thomas, England's physiotherapist, saved his life. He was rushed to hospital and, thankfully, regained consciousness an hour later. He was recalled in 1976-77, when he bowled steadily and industriously. Overshadowed by Hadlee, he nevertheless formed an effective an opening partnership with him for a decade. When Hadlee was injured in 1987-88 against England, Chatfield took 13 wickets at only 15 runs apiece. He was awarded an MBE for his services to cricket.
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