Astle Uncovered

Described as 'arguably New Zealand's greatest ever one-day player', by members of the New Zealand media, Lancashire's new signing Nathan Astle is arriving at Old Trafford in June with a rather large reputation in tow.

Whether that statement is too flattering is indeed open to debate, but there is no question that Astle comes with the kind of explosive batting talent that will ensure bums on seats at grounds around the country. The plan is also to help fade the memory of Brad Hodge's departure from Lancashire as he returns home for an Australian 'A' team tournament.

One thing the new overseas signing will bring with him is experience - in abundance. He has represented New Zealand in 79 Test matches and 212 One-Day Internationals.

His strike rate of 72.74 runs per 100 balls in the one-day game shows his aggressive nature, and he also scored 16 centuries (which currently sees him in joint 9th position in the most centuries ever scored in one-day internationals), including an impressive 83 sixes!

The style and techniques of the departing Aussie and arriving Kiwi are quite different. Brad Hodge is the more classical and orthodox bat, where as Astle is more comfortable making room for himself and blazing through the offside, unconcerned if the ball takes the aerial route. The immense power he strikes the ball with has the fielders and spectators alike diving for cover.
The man from Canterbury is perhaps best known for scoring the fastest double century in Test cricket in 2002. England was the opposition and they were flayed to all parts of the ground as he reached his 200 off 153 balls, before finally falling for 222.

Nathan Astle isn't just a one trick pony, he possesses a safe pair of hands, generally in slips, and has the uncanny knack of breaking partnerships with his wily medium pace.

County cricket is not something new to Astle. He appeared on these shores back in 1997 for Nottinghamshire and also in 2005 for Durham.

His record in domestic cricket in England is impressive without being outstanding. He has scored 917 runs at an average of 38.2 and taken 25 wickets at 25.68.

There is no doubt many people will come to watch Nathan Astle alone, hoping to catch this potential match winner in full flow. However, Mike Watkinson and co will be hoping he achieves the consistency of his Australian predecessor.

(BBC Lancashire, 07/06/06)