Highs, lows and a record innings
In a career spanning more than a decade Nathan Astle had his share of moments in the sun
Cricinfo staff
26-Jan-2007
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January 1995 - At 23, makes his one-day international debut against West Indies at Auckland. Scores 25 and takes 0 for 27.
November 1995 - Having established his place as an opener, scores his first ODI century. His 114 from 128 balls against India at Nagpur drives New Zealand to a 99-run win.
January 1996 - After a year in the one-day team, makes his Test debut against Zimbabwe at Hamilton. Scores 18 and 32 in a drawn game.
February 1996 - In his first World Cup game, his 101 sets up an 11-run win against England at Ahmedabad.
April 1996 - Makes back-to-back Test centuries on a tour of West Indies. His 125 at Bridgetown against an attack boasting Curtly Ambrose, Courtney Walsh and Ian Bishop is his maiden Test hundred. He follows it up at St John's with 103 but New Zealand go down in both matches.
January 1997 - Scores his first Test hundred on home soil with an unbeaten 102 against England at Auckland.
May 1997 - Records his best ODI bowling figures with a vital spell of 4 for 43 as New Zealand beat Pakistan at Chandigarh.
June 1999 - Struggles through his second World Cup in poor form. Averages only 8.77 from his nine innings as New Zealand are eliminated at the semi-final stage.
December 2001 - Top scores with 156 not out in the third Test against Australia at Perth as New Zealand draw the series 0-0.
March 2002 - Smashes the fastest Test double-century, reaching the milestone in 153 balls against England at Christchurch. Finishes with 222, his highest Test score.
March 2003 - Has a more successful World Cup in South Africa, making 102 not out against Zimbabwe and averaging 42.60 for the tournament.
September 2004 - Takes the opportunity against the United States at The Oval to raise his highest ODI score, 145 from 151 deliveries.
January 2006 - Is briefly dropped from the ODI squad to take on Sri Lanka at home but returns to the side with a string of high scores, including an unbeaten 118 against West Indies at Christchurch.
January 26, 2007 - After a poor start to the CB Series in Australia, announces his retirement from international cricket, citing a lack of motivation.