Five Firsts

Storeman, policeman, paceman

A picture with Sir Richard Hadlee, hitting friends in the head, and more



© AFP

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First job
In my first job as an adult, I was a storeman in a food warehouse. I had to pack up food and stack it and send it off for deliveries. It paid very little. It was a university job.

First time I hit a batsman
I remember bowling in primary school and hitting a couple of my friends in the head and sending one of them to hospital. The friendship stayed, but I was bit upset about hurting them.

First idol I met
Richard Hadlee. He was the one who picked me for New Zealand. I remember having a photo taken with Sir Richard after I had played a tournament at home. I've still got that photo and he's still my hero. It's nice to be able to have worked with him.

First achievement I remember
I remember making all the under-age teams for Canterbury, but the big first one was New Zealand Under-20s.

First match-winning performance
The five wickets against Australia in a one-dayer in Adelaide. It felt real good.

Richard HadleeShane BondNew Zealand

As told to Sidharth Monga