Hamish Marshall on his New Zealand career, playing backyard cricket with his twin, and how he likes his steak
Interview by Jack Wilson28-Sep-2014How do you feel looking back on your international career?
I enjoyed it. It was a huge honour, of course, but I don’t think I did as well as I could have, if I’m being honest with you.Your Test average is very close to 40. It wasn’t bad, was it?
No, of course. I played 13 Tests and it’s nice to end with a reasonable average. But I wanted to push on and become a constant member of the New Zealand team and I couldn’t do that. I felt I didn’t improve and push on as much as I should have. I’m proud – but that was a disappointment.Tell us about how hard it was to quit New Zealand to pursue a county career.
It was a tough decision, having so many friends in the New Zealand team. I had to look at a lot of things, but I’d played so much county cricket and I knew the standard was very good. I got the security of a four-year contract. At that time it’s what I wanted to do.Are there ever any moments when you doubt it was the right decision?
Not really. I won’t deny I’ve watched New Zealand through my career, and sometimes you think how nice it would have been to be out there. But I made my decision and I stick by it.Were you ever close to playing for Ireland?
I was, in terms of me being very interested, but there were a few problems. Having played international cricket for New Zealand, if I’d then gone and played for Ireland I wouldn’t be classed as an English-qualified player anymore in county cricket. The counties could also suffer as they have to play a certain amount of players qualified to play for England or they’d take a hit financially. It wouldn’t have made me an attractive county cricketer but it would have been good.Talk us through backyard cricket in the Marshall household.
Oh man, they were great times. There were days we’d wake up in the morning and have breakfast, go and play, get lunch, then go back out and play until dinner. There were days you’d be steaming in bowling all day and you might not bat. It was pretty ruthless!What was the best thing about having a twin brother who played cricket?
When you have younger or elder brothers, you’re at different standards. Having a twin, you’re both at the same level.And what was the worst?
The fighting. We had plenty of dust-ups and disagreements. Usually he’d run indoors and hide behind our mum if there was ever a difference of opinion.
“There were days we’d wake up in the morning and have breakfast, go and play, get lunch, then go back out and play until dinner. There were days you’d be steaming in bowling all day and you might not bat”
What’s the most important ball you have faced in your life?
I would say my first ball in Test cricket. Makhaya Ntini was the bowler and I just wanted to get through it.Who has the bowled the quickest spell you have ever been on the receiving end of?
Brett Lee bowled a few rapid spells in some ODIs at times.Do you know how to do the haka?
I do, actually. I have done it a few times. I think most Kiwis try to copy it!Which rule in cricket would you like to change?
Jeez, that’s tough. I’m going to go with being run out while backing up at the non-striker’s end when the other batter hits it straight back. That’s not the best way to get out!What is the best thing about playing cricket for a living?
That you’re doing something you love and that you are passionate about, and that it’s your job.And the worst?
Fielding short leg to the spinners. That’s not fun.Who is your best friend in cricket?
My brother James has got to be up there. I mean, he’s my twin after all! But I’ll go with Alex Gidman. I’ve played a lot of cricket with him over the years.Which ground has the crowd with the best sense of humour?
The Essex crowd are ruthless but their banter is quite good! They give you some stick but a lot of it is very funny. They come out with some witty stuff.Where is the most hostile place to go?
When you’re walking through the tunnel at the Wanderers it’s pretty hostile. I found that quite intimidating.How do you have your steak cooked?
Medium-rare.What is your favourite cheese?
I’m a boring man on this one. It has to be cheddar.Do you have any hidden talents?
Blimey. Erm, I don’t think I do.Who is the worst singer in the Gloucestershire dressing room?
I can’t use myself, so I’ll have to go with Jack Taylor. It’s not an area he excels in.
