Black Caps Kyle Jamieson, Zak Foulkes, Kristian Clarke, Adi Ashok and Mitch Hay.
Kristian Clarke made his friends and his family even more proud after making his Black Caps debut against India in Vadodara last month. Jesse Wood reports.
Kristian’s girlfriend Jess Johnson, left, and mum and dad Jan and Peter Clarke pose with fans at his début match in India. Photo: Supplied
Black Caps one day international player 224 Kristian made his debut on January 11, and helped himself to a wicket and 24 runs off 17 balls.
This was followed 10 days later with his first T20 international, against India in Nagpur.
The Te Awamutu-born said representing New Zealand had always been a dream… “but I never imagined it happening this early on in my career… for it to happen in a place like India was the experience of a lifetime”.
Clarke who celebrates his 25th birthday next week, is now a fan – watching the 15-strong New Zealand squad compete in the T20 World Cup in Sri Lanka and India.
Kristian Clarke was presented with his début cap by Kyle Jamieson ahead of the first ODI against India. Photo: Blackcaps
He featured in four games against India – one T20 and three one day internationals, before returning to New Zealand and donning Northern Districts colours for a T20 clash against Canterbury.
He said when he was named for the India tour he was happy to be there and take in the whole experience.
“But then to be told I was going to play that first game was a bit nerve racking if I’m honest.
“Obviously, I was so excited though and ready to test myself against the best in world and share the field with players I’ve watched on TV for years within that Indian team.”
Having his parents, Jan and Peter, and partner Jess there for his first match meant a lot .
“My parents have played a massive part in my journey within cricket, helping both myself and my siblings to take part in whatever sports or activities we wanted to growing up,” Kristian said.
“For them to see me make my début was a pretty cool moment.
“In the last few years, my partner has been awesome in supporting me live out my dream and it really is a team effort from friends and family back home to enable me to do what I love.
“There’s countless people throughout my life who have all played a role in helping me get to where I am, so I am forever grateful for those who have been in my corner.”
Jan said Kristian’s Black Caps début was an extremely proud moment for the family.
“To see Kristian in black representing New Zealand is truly a moment of great honour and respect. To be able to witness his debut was incredible and very emotional for myself, Peter and Jess.
“It was hard to believe we were there watching the team talk and presenting him with his hat.
“We looked at each other, no words needed, as the emotion on all our faces painted the picture of how extremely proud we all are.”
Jan and Peter’s first cricketing memoires of their son were playing on their tennis court with his two older brothers and older sister.
“From there, playing junior Saturday cricket in Te Awamutu, to then filling in for Waikato Valley team one day with his older brother. He was seven and the rest of the team were around 10,” Peter said.
Kristian’s sporting journey has been a full family effort.
“Endless hours at trainings and Saturday games, to tournaments, to trips away and we wouldn’t change a thing,” Jan said.
“Peter and I were both lucky to also have parents that gave their time to all sports.
“They were also involved in Kristian’s cricket journey, so he has had a lot of support and encouragement from grandparents – all of his family.”
Longtime friend Dylan Jeffries said the pair first met on the rugby field as kids.
He’s watched Kristian build up to his dream.
“We’ve known each other since about age 10. Although on opposite sides at that stage, within a year we were on the same team playing 6 and 8 for Te Awamutu Sports, before attending Hamilton Boys’ High together,” Jeffries said.
“I think the secret to his success is the fact he doesn’t hide when moments get tough or when things go wrong. His determination, dedication and work ethic are second to none.
“He is constantly looking at areas to improve on and ways he can evolve as both a player on the field and a person off of it.”
Jeffries said after Kristian was added to the Black Caps November squad but missed a chance at home against the West Indies, he knew when the India touring squad was named it was his time to debut.
“As the first ODI v India was starting and the teams were singing the anthems, seeing Kristian there had me in tears,” Jeffries said.
“Seeing him in the New Zealand kit and taking the field meant the world to me. Knowing all along he had the ability to be there was one thing. but for it to all finally come to fruition was a moment I’ll never forget.”
Black Caps, from left Kyle Jamieson, Zak Foulkes, Kristian Clarke, Adi Ashok and Mitch Hay. Photo: Blackcaps
