After decades of trying, New Zealand finally beat England at test cricket and Richard Hadlee was the hero, taking 6/26 in the second innings to seal the victory.
This was how Herald cricket writer D.J. Cameron saw the last moments of a thrilling match:
"Forty-eight years of test cricket, 48 unsuccessful tests against England, and then only 48 magical minutes at the Basin Reserve yesterday as New Zealand finished off the last two England wickets to gain their most famous victory.
"When Geoff Howarth swooped across for a catch from Bob Willis, and then sprung aloft with the ball in triumph, England 53 for eight overnight, were out for 64, and New Zealand had won by 72 runs."
For his magnificent bowling, which was to be the spine of the New Zealand cricket team for years to come, Richard Hadlee is our New Zealander of the Year.
