Cricket: Twin aiming for the peak again

By TERRY MADDAFORD

Two years ago, Hamish Marshall played his way into test history, scoring 40 not out in the third test against South Africa at the Wanderers Ground.

So far it has been his only test innings, and he is in the record books as one of a handful of New Zealanders with infinity as their test batting average.

But it was not the starting point of a test career. The 23-year-old has since fallen on lean times.

He blames no one but himself for not being given a second chance.

"I haven't had the best couple of seasons since," said Marshall, as he prepared for today's State Championship clash with Auckland at Gisborne's Harry Barker Reserve, the first match of his fifth first-class season.

"The selectors can't pick you if you don't score runs. Sure, it's everybody's objective to play at the highest [test] level but you have to earn that.

"It is always difficult to point to any one reason [for failing to score heavily] but you have to look at technique, confidence and your mental approach."

He had been talking to a sports psychologist, which may help. "In the end, though, it comes down to scoring runs level by level from club to representative to first class."

Marshall would not be drawn too deeply into the issue of the players' strike, but admitted it did not help.

"It is behind us now but it did interrupt our pre-season," said Marshall who spent his off-season in England playing for Gerrards Cross in Buckinghamshire. A return for a fourth stint in England could well depend on his form this summer and any recall to the national side.

Marshall, almost certain to bat at five for Northern Districts, admits it is probably as low he can expect to play as a specialist batsman, especially in a team boasting a number of genuine allrounders.

"It is up to me to make the most of any chance I get. Last season I was getting to 30 or 40 but not going on with it. That is something I have looked at. Probably it is a mental thing."

Middle-order batsmen had to be more fluid than those at the top of the order where they know what was expected, he said.

"You have to be prepared to alter your game plan but, in the end, batting is batting.

"For the team's sake I hope I don't have to go in early but I have to be prepared to go in at any stage and make the most of it."

Unlike earlier seasons with Northern, when he and twin brother James were very much the new kids, they are now moving up and expected to take a more senior role following last season's retirements of Mark Bailey, Simon Doull and Grant Bradburn.

The brothers add something to each season as identical twins, even if at times it causes some confusion for scorers, umpires, and even teammates.

"With five players on New Zealand Cricket contracts, I suppose we are now on the next level," said Marshall.

"I'm looking forward to the new season. It will be our second under coach Bruce Blair and the first with a new manager after being with Murray Angell so far.

"Sure, I think back to my test debut at times. I enjoyed every minute of it and I'd love to do it again."