Tribute to Craig Spearman - The former Auck!
I have been lucky enough to know Spears for over 10 years as an
opponent team mate, coach and a friend.
As an opponent he used to play against us country lads from Central
Districts and from ball one he created an excitement and expectation
that it was never going to be dull. We always used to get stuck into
the city boys with their flash bats and cars and Spears was no
exception. He didn't used to say much but when he did, it nearly
always had a good dry sense of humour to it.
As captain I used to see the whites in my bowlers' eyes when they
bowled to him as he never used to die wondering when out in the
middle. (and still doesn't)His positive approach to batting has made
spectators world wide sit up and watch whenever he walks out the bat
expecting entertainment at its highest level.
In my opinion his test career was cut short by a lack of consistent
opportunities and a lack of willingness from management to learn how
Craig approaches the game, which is slightly different to the norm.
One thing that stands out for me re his high skill level is the amount
of time he seems to have when playing quick bowling. He rarely seems
rushed and makes it look easier then most of us used to do!
Over time I found Spears to be slightly different to the other big
'Aucks'(definition of a city slicker) to the extent that when I
finished playing and started coaching for Central Districts, we
persuaded Craig to come down and join the country lads to play for us.
Early on that was an experience for all of us as we weren't used to
many Aucks (apart from me and Martin Crowe) moving to the country
areas back in those days. Once we got used to the two toiletry bags
for Craig's grooming habits and his liking for wine instead of beer he
settled in well with the Stags. It was nice to have him our team
rather than against us and funnily enough our bowlers didn't have
those whites in their eyes any more apart from at practice time!
I must tell you about a game Craig played in while I was coaching in
New Zealand. It was a one day final against Canterbury who had 9
current or former New Zealand Internationals including Astle, Cairns,
McMillan, Harris and Wiseman (currently playing for Durham) In other
words the standard of opposition was of the highest quality.
We batted first and we got off to a very good start but unusually
Spears was reasonably quiet only going at 80/100 strike rate! Craig
Wiseman (off spin
bowler) came onto bowl in the 13th over just before the fielding
restrictions changed. The next six balls proceeded to go for 30 runs.
Craig hit four sixes, a four and a two. He changed the direction of
the game in less than 5 minutes. The ease in which he did it was
nothing short of amazing. He went onto to get 80 runs off 40 balls and
sparked the other guys to make 350 runs in 50 overs. Needless to say
we won the game and the trophy in no small way with Craig's quite wonderful contribution.
That example probably sums Craig up as a cricketer but it would be
remiss of me if I didn't talk about him personally. I have always
enjoyed Craig's company through our ups and downs of a professional
sportsman life. We have always kept in touch and been sounding boards
for each other. These days Spears tends to make mention of my lack of
hair probably due to me wearing a hat too often over the years. His turn may come!
Craig deserves his benefit season with Gloucestershire and I wish him
well for a successful year.
Mark Greatbatch
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