by Abhai Sawkar Earning a Man of the Match Award on international debut is an encouraging start. Follow that up with a 3-0 ODI series victory against a formidable opponent. On top of that, how about four wickets in your first Test innings, and a handy 44 down the order with four maximums, which is also the highest score by a debutant New Zealand #9? Top that off with a thumping victory. The rapid rise of the new 25-year-old New Zealand seam-bowling all-rounder Kyle Jamieson has been nothing short of spectacular. While it’s been an eventful home summer for Jamieson, his first experience with the Blackcaps was during the Australia tour last month. Even though he only played a couple of first-class games this season, Jamieson joined the squad before the second Test match at the MCG, after express pacer Lockie Ferguson was ruled out due to injury. Even though he did not get a game in that series, sharing the dressing room with the senior teammates as well as experiencing the atmosphere of international cricket was priceless. “Being with the test team in Australia was such an amazing experience,” says Jamieson. “As a fan of the game, I grew up watching the Boxing Day and New Year’s Tests, so to be involved in them was pretty special. One of the main things I noticed was the intensity and relentlessness of international cricket, especially in that arena. What was also cool was talking to the players and support staff about what was going on and then stripping that back even more and asking the question of ‘How are they doing this? And what’s giving them the ability to keep doing this for long periods?’ That was invaluable and I was able to take away a few work-ons technically and tactically, which has already helped me as I continue this journey.” About a month later came the auspicious time - Jamieson was called up for the subsequent ODI series against India. When skipper Tom Latham opted for an all-pace attack for the second ODI, Jamieson got his first international cap, fittingly in his home venue at Eden Park. Notwithstanding the fact that the middle-order capitulated, Jamieson’s crucial contribution of 25 from 24 balls provided ample support for Ross Taylor - this 76-run partnership was paramount for setting a competitive total. In addition, Jamieson’s bowling was quite a revelation - the two wickets he took both came when momentum was gradually starting to slip. Prithvi Shaw made a brief cameo until Jamieson bowled him right through the gate. His second wicket, that of Navdeep Saini, arrested a 76-run that was beginning to bring India back in the thick of things. He’d concede just 42 runs in his 10 overs, capping off a tremendous debut and a deserved Man of the Match award. In the very next game, Jamieson made the early inroad when he dismissed opener Mayank Agarwal. It was more than the ultimate dream come true and not only did he take the initiative with aplomb, he also displayed respectable tenacity with both skills. “My ODI debut was quite a surreal experience. You grow up dreaming of playing for New Zealand, and when it’s actually in front of you it’s a lot to take in,” marveled Jamieson. “Following on from the first ODI, there was a great feeling in the group and that just carried on into that second game. We faced a bit of adversity in that game with a few guys sick, so to get over the line and wrap up the series was something pretty special. It’s always hard in pressure situations because there are a lot of external factors adding to that moment. I guess what I try to do and what this group does so well is they are able to focus solely on what’s my role at this time, and what does the team need from me. If you can stick to that, you give yourself a pretty good chance of being clear in your decision-making skills, and you then live with the results from that.” During his early days, Jamieson started off as a top-order batsman and always had burning passion for the game. His bowling took center stage until just after high school, and his towering frame enabled him to extract relatively more bounce. While he’s not extremely pacy, his impeccable control of line and length have been known to trouble batsmen; his ODI and Test debuts serve as perfect first-hand proof. “My cricketing journey started when I was just 4 years old, playing for my local club, Conifer Grove. When I was quite young, they installed some artificial nets just around the corner from home, which was awesome, and that meant Dad’s shoulder got a hammering throwing me countless numbers of balls. I ventured off to Auckland Grammar and their boarding house but still used to come home on weekends to hit balls on a Friday before playing on Saturday and Sunday. I played all through high school, and my last three years in the first XI as an opener, number 3 batsman, and first-change bowler. It wasn’t until I left high school and Dayle Hadlee just happened to see this 6’8” fella virtually walking in to bowl did I start to shift towards bowling. He got a hold of me and told me to run in amongst a few other things and set me on my journey towards where I am now. He’s been a massive help along the way and I certainly have him to thank for a lot of my success.” Linking past and present, Jamieson has an eclectic mix of cricketing idols, and it’s a great all-round blend of expertise, flair, and vigor. To little surprise, the continued success of the Blackcaps Test pace trio at home has been very influential for him. “I probably haven’t had too many definite inspirations growing up, but I definitely enjoyed watching the likes of Shane Bond and Brett Lee bowl due to the pace they could hurl the ball down at, and guys like Ricky Ponting and Ross Taylor with the bat. I think as I’ve gotten older I’ve looked towards the current crop of international cricketers and tried to pick apart the things they do well and what I can add to my game. Watching Tim, Trent, and Wags go about their business has been awesome, as well as watching the current crop of Aussie fast bowlers, too. And then someone like Dale Steyn, who could produce magic with the ball and plays with such great passion was and is something I really admire.” Prior to his domestic debut for Canterbury, Jamieson took part in the Under-19 World Cup in the UAE in early 2014. For starters, it definitely was an eye-opener and a very important learning curve. Later that year, he’d get his first full season of top-level domestic cricket with the Canterbury team. “The Under-19 World Cup was a really cool experience early on in my career and my first real taste of professional cricket. It’s funny looking back now with what I’ve learned after that tournament, and we definitely approached that in a way that is probably different to how we would now. As wide-eyed teenagers getting our first taste of international cricket, and in a place like Dubai, it can be a lot to take in. We certainly learned a lot and most importantly for me, I’ve made some lifelong friends out of that period, which is awesome.” The experience of the Under-19 World Cup was instrumental in helping him mature as a player, but his advice for young cricketers is to firstly love and savor the opportunities. Positivity during thick and thin has proven to be a very effective confidence builder not only for him, but for the Blackcaps as well. “That’s a tough one, because how I approached things at that time has led to me learning the lessons I have now. But I think I’d tell myself a couple of things - firstly to be present and enjoy the moment for what it is, and secondly the importance of preparation in giving yourself the best chance of success. I’d also tell myself that things will be okay, that they’ll work out for the best regardless and not to be so intense on making cricket work that you forget to enjoy the moment, have balance, and take care of yourself. That’s certainly something that I hold close to me to this day.” Jamieson’s played the vast majority of his domestic cricket for Canterbury, and there have been plenty of ups and downs. After spending around five years playing for Canterbury across all formats, he felt it was time to head back home to continue his quest for higher honors. It was a bittersweet departure; as a matter of fact, he achieved the unthinkable - the best ever bowling figures for a New Zealander, during the 2018-19 Super Smash T20: 4-0-7-6, which is the fifth-best of all time. Interestingly enough, this happened against Auckland, and that’s one of his biggest achievements prior to entering the international arena. The move back home was a fruitful one - he’d take 11 wickets in 7 games during the Ford Trophy, New Zealand’s domestic 50-over tournament. And that’s not all - Auckland would ace (pun intended) the final against Otago, securing a fabulous win. “Moving to Auckland from Canterbury has been massive for me. I was in a reasonably bad spot with my cricket down there, and although I was still having success on the field, I wasn’t really enjoying it and the negativity surrounding the environment at that time. I have a lot of fond memories from my early days there and have so many good mates too, so it was with a heavy heart that I had to go. In saying that, the move to Auckland has gone a lot better than I could’ve hoped. The culture at Auckland is a really good one, each player is valued as a person first and foremost and everyone turns up each day to get better and to have fun. I’m enjoying my cricket again now, which is amazing, and loving my time in the Auckland Aces with the boys, and the staff too who have been exceptional.” It’s no secret that Jamieson’s faced his set of challenges, but more importantly, he’s firmly set his sights on maximizing potential and leaving no stone unturned. During the recently concluded Test match, Jamieson tirelessly sent down over 30 overs and made timely breakthroughs in India’s first innings. This is just the beginning, and as a newcomer, he’s put on a clinical and telling first impression. “Yeah, I’ve definitely had my fair share of setbacks, like most cricketers have. I’ve had some injuries early on that can be tough to deal with,” said Jamieson. “I guess my mindset with any setback has always been to bounce back better, prove whoever wrong, but most importantly I don’t want to have any ‘what ifs’ at the end of my career. I know that if I can sit and reflect at the end and be happy that I’ve done that, then I’ll be content with whatever level of cricket I’ve played or how much I’ve played. I think that’s all you can ask of yourself.” Finally, Jamieson plans on featuring the IPL when he receives a chance. Considering the fact that it’s the most high-profile T20 league with star players from all over the world featuring alongside and against each other, it would definitely be a memorable experience to cherish. When made to pick one of the teams, it’s no surprise that he’s gone for the 2012 and 2014 champions: the Kolkata Knight Riders. KKR this year is stacked with oodles of talent, both young and experienced, and learning from some of the best in the business would be second to none. And one more thing - considering that the head coach has been one of the Blackcaps’ finest cricketers and leaders, it wasn’t that hard a choice to make for Jamieson. “That’s another tough one. I’d definitely be happy to play for any of the teams. It’s the pinnacle of franchise cricket and is such a great spectacle that it would be a massive honor to be a part of. The chance to be involved and learn from some of the best would be so cool. But if I had to choose one I think I’d go with the Kolkata Knight Riders. I believe Brendon McCullum has recently taken over as coach there, and he’d be awesome to play under given what he’s achieved for New Zealand. My Auckland teammate Lockie Ferguson is there too, which would be cool, and to learn from the best in the world at the moment in Pat Cummins would be unreal. However, I’d definitely be happy to play anywhere. Each franchise looks like such a good team with top class coaches and players.” Without a doubt, Jamieson brings plenty to the table - skillset, positivity, boundless potential, and towering confidence, literally. He’s the tallest cricketer in New Zealand. From youth level to domestic exploits to consistent performances in the New Zealand A team, Jamieson’s journey to national honors is the archetype of tireless diligence paying off. He’s already made a splash in his first go in ODIs and Tests, and the T20 World Cup is just inside eight months away. With a few more T20I series to go, there’s every chance that he may get a go in the shortest format as well. The emphatic arrival of Kyle Jamieson is a prelude to a strong finish to the home summer.
1 Comment
Mithun
2/24/2020 10:41:05 pm
What a great prospect for world cricket as a whole. Wishing him the best in his journey. You have a true fan in me.
Reply
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorsAkseli Pitkänen Archives
September 2020
Categories |