Walter Hadlee is known for his contribution to New Zealand cricket and is regarded as a cricketing legend in the country. For almost three-quarters of a century, Walter Hadlee was at the forefront of New Zealand cricket as a player, captain, selector, and manager. The three of his five sons-Sir Richard, Dayle, and Barry went on to play international cricket for New Zealand. “Spare, slight, angular, nimble and trim,” wrote Denzil Batchelor, “he wore white flannels as a fish wears gills.” An attacking batsman.
Hadlee made his Test debut in England in 1937, but like many, he lost his best years to the war, and with New Zealand, not a major Test-playing nation, his chances were limited anyway.
He was appointed captain immediately after the war, and even then he only played two matches in four years. In 1945-46 he hammered 198 out of 347 against the touring Australians, and a year later he scored his only Test hundred-116 in two-and-a-half hours against England after New Zealand had been put in to bat at Christchurch in cold and difficult conditions. The highlight of his eight tests in charge was the 1949 tour of England when he led a strong and popular New Zealand side that drew all four Tests, driving home the point to the English authorities that awarding only three-day Tests to the New Zealanders underestimated their abilities. The stalemates, however, did not reflect his adventurous approach to the role. Although his Test average was a modest 30.16 only!
But he was never dismissed in a single An attacking batsman, Hadlee made his Test debut in England in 1937, but like many, he lost his best years to the war, and with New Zealand, not a major Test-playing nation, his chances were limited anyway. He was appointed captain immediately after the war, and even then he only played two matches in four years figures.
In a 19-year first-class career he scored 7523 runs at 40.44, including 18 centuries He continued to play club cricket for 15 years. After retiring following the 1950-51 series against England. Walter Hadlee maintained strong links with cricket as a leading administrator and was a decisive president of the New Zealand Cricket Council during the Packer crisis. He also served as the Chairman of the New Zealand Cricket Council from 1956 to 1963 and was a member of the Imperial Cricket Conference (ICC) from 1957 to 1963.
Walter Hadlee was also involved in women’s cricket, rugby, and hockey. He was awarded an OBE in 1950 and was honored again in 1978 when he became a CBE. Walter Hadlee, the former New Zealand captain and, administrator, died in Christchurch on September 29, 2006, at the age of 91.
He had been seriously ill ever since suffering a stroke after hip replacement surgery six weeks ago. We deeply appreciate the public support that we have received in recent weeks and ask that we now have the given time to come together as a family,” Sir Richard Hadlee said in the media release.
Richard Hadlee – His Son Proved a real Legend of Cricket
This is a difficult time for the family, and we do request privacy. Dad will be laid to rest at a family funeral next week. “A public memorial service will be held at Christchurch Boys High School at 11 am on October 14 for those who wish to acknowledge dad’s innings of a lifetime and his contribution to sport, business, and the community.”
Sir John Anderson, chairman of New Zealand Cricket (NZC), and Martin Snedden, the chief executive, paid their tributes to Hadlee “Walter was very much the patriarch of NZC and made an enormous lifetime contribution to cricket in New Zealand. He was one of the great figures of New Zealand Cricket and will have a long legacy in the sport. “Walter left his mark on cricket in New Zealand equally a player and administrator,” said Snedden.
Walter Hadlee will be remembered for his skill and dedication as a cricketer, selector, New Zealand manager, NZC Chairman, and NZC President. Walter took an active interest in cricket right up until his death and will be greatly missed by NZC’s Board, management, staff, and the wider New Zealand cricket community.” New Zealand cricket mourns Hadlee.
New Zealand cricket is mourning the death of Walter Hadlee, who died in Christchurch at the age of 91. Walter Hadlee won 11 Test caps and later served as national team manager, selector and chairman, and president of the country’s cricket board. He was very much the patriarch of New Zealand Cricket and made an enormous lifetime contribution,” said current NZC chairman Sir John Anderson.
Walter Hadlee scored more than 7,500 first-class runs during his playing career at an average of 40, but the highlight was an innings of 116 against England at Christchurch in March 1947, one of eight tests in which he captained the team.
The 1949 side which toured England and drew the Test series 0-0, also including Martin Donnelly and Bert Sutcliffe, and John Reid is regarded as one of the best ever to take the field for New Zealand.
He was awarded an OBE in 1950 and was honored again in 1978 when he became a CBE. And he enjoyed another proud moment in 1990 when his son, Richard Hadlee was knighted during his final Test series for his services to cricket. Another former New Zealand captain, Martin Crowe, said Hadlee would be greatly missed.
He continued: “Walter was a man I had the utmost respect and admiration for. He was always willing and happy to sit down and chat about the game. “Walter’s story-telling of his playing days and his teammates were superb.
New Zealand opening batsmen, WA (Walter Arnold) Hadlee, and JL (John Lambert) Kerr, seen here walking out to bat at the Scarborough Cricket Festival in 1937. Photo Source – Wikipedia
His recollection of tours back some 70 years ago was quite astonishing.” NZC chief executive Martin Snedden also joined in the tributes, adding: “Walter took an active interest in cricket right up until his death and will be greatly missed by NZC’s Board, management, staff, and the wider New Zealand cricket community.”