Cricket World Cup: Elliott set for landmark moment

Grant Elliott (left, with Tim Southee) has a reputation as a "team man". Photo / Paul Taylor

‘Hairy Javelin’ recalls ’92 Cup inspiration as he prepares to face team from homeland.

Today marks a special occasion for New Zealand cricketer Grant Elliott, who will turn out against South Africa, the land of his birth, at Eden Park in the World Cup semifinal.

The 36-year-old came to New Zealand in 2001 and gained residency in 2007, but one of his most evocative cricketing memories comes from the last time the World Cup was played in Australia and New Zealand. It coincided with the Proteas' tournament debut.

Elliott has been bestowed the moniker "Hairy Javelin" for his hirsute and lithe appearance. Photo / Mark Mitchell

"The 1992 World Cup was the reason I started playing cricket," Elliott recalled last month. "My mum let me stay at home to watch South Africa versus Australia. I got suspended from school as a result, and wasn't allowed to play cricket in the Wednesday and Saturday games.

"It was well worth it, though. That tournament made me realise I wanted to be a professional cricketer at age 12-13."

Elliott attended the renowned cricketing school St Stithians College in Johannesburg before representing the city's Pirates club and Gauteng and Griqualand West provinces. Selection for the South African under-19s in 1997 saw him score 201 not out against their England counterparts, who included future test spinner Graeme Swann. But the South African quota system meant Elliott's international ambitions might have been stymied had he stayed.

Until his January return, Elliott's chances of making it to a World Cup for New Zealand also looked slim.

He'd already laid down a significant post-cricket insurance policy by studying towards a Bachelor of Arts in applied management.

"I get to enjoy cricket because I know I've got a life outside it," he said. "Hitting a leather ball in front of a crowd is great fun."

Domestic Twenty20 form and a reputation as "a team man" respected by captain Brendon McCullum and the wider New Zealand group saw him earn a reprieve and, courtesy of the Alternative Commentary Collective, the moniker "Hairy Javelin" for his hirsute and lithe appearance.

Grant Elliott demonstrates perfect catching technique. Photo / Brett Phibbs.

Elliott's form has barely seen him put a hair out of place at the World Cup, apart from a golden duck against Australia. In 13 innings since his ODI return, Elliott has averaged 42.1 at a strike rate of 98 including 104 not out against Sri Lanka in an unbeaten world record sixth-wicket partnership of 267 with Luke Ronchi. His selfless batting in the interests of the team has ensconced him at No5.

In September, Elliott joked he could "produce a Stephen Donald moment, should it be required", in reference to the former All Black first-five kicking the winning penalty in the 2011 Rugby World Cup final. Today could be the day.