8 Nov 2008

Hedley Howarth made an outstanding contribution to cricket

6:01 pm on 8 November 2008

New Zealand Cricket chief executive Justin Vaughan says Hedley Howarth, who has died 64, made an outstanding contribution to the game at all levels.

Vaughan says while Howarth will be remembered as one of New Zealand's most prominent left-arm slow bowlers, he was also highly respected for his work off the field.

Howarth made his first class debut in 1962 and played his first test in 1969.

His five-wicket bag against India at Nagpur that year was a match-winner and helped give New Zealand its first test win on the sub-continent.

He remained closely involved in the game after his retirement - especially in Auckland - and Vaughan says his loss will be keenly felt by the cricketing community throughout New Zealand.

Howarth played a total of 30 test matches, taking 86 wickets at an average of 36.95. He retired from test cricket in 1977.