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The Rediff Cricket Interview/ Gary Stead

'I'm happy that finally I made it to the team and succeded in scoring runs'

He has played only three Tests, but his performances in those matches suggest that he has a bright future. Gary Stead came to India as the last minute replacement for the injured Craig Macmillan, and he celebrated his inclusion into the Test side with a useful innings of 78 runs in Ahmedabad, which helped New Zealand draw the third Test of the three-Test series against India from a hopeless position.

Cricket is very much in the youngster's blood. His father played for Canterbury for nearly two decades. Now Gary has stepped into his shoes and has been playing for Canterbury for the last seven years, captaining the side since last season. A useful opening batsman, Gary is also a useful leg-spin bowler. He is also good at golf and rugby, but says that since he is not good enough to play for the All Blacks, cricket remains his first love. Suresh Parekh spoke to Gary just after the Ahmedabad Test.

You must have been delighted that finally you made it to the New Zealand team?

Yes, obviously. It's always a great feeling to play the highest form of cricket for the country. But it was a bit unfortunate that Craig Macmillan got injured and I was selected. Incidentally, when I played two Tests against South Africa I was included because there too Craig Macmillan got injured. Thus, I got a chance to let my willow talk.

But were you disappointed at not being originally picked for the tour?

Yes, I was disappointed, but in New Zealand I worked pretty hard and scored runs. I'm happy that finally I made it to the team and succeded in scoring runs!

What were the first thoughts that came to your mind when you were informed that you were to replace Craig?

Indian bowlers dominated the Kanpur Test and won it too. So the first thought that came to mind was surely to make the Indian bowlers work hard to get my wicket.

And you almost did it at Ahmedabad?

Yes, but I was disappointed that I got out early in the first innings. But that again made me more determined and I am happy that I made the highest score for New Zealand in the three Tests.

But on a perfect batting wicket, you missed the chance of a ton...

Yes, it was disappointing. I think I was playing very well and could have reached the three figure mark. Still, I'm happy that after replacing Macmillan I succeeded in scoring and helped the country save a second defeat in a row.

How was it like facing Srinath and Kumble?

Oh, both are world-class bowlers. Srinath has got speed and bounce, and Kumble too is very quick. It was a good experience indeed.

As a batsman what is your main strength?

To be very honest, I'm not a strokemaker. I would like to play big innings. I would like to stay at the wicket for hour after hour, ... a sort of grafter you can say, but that's my main strength.

Any particular shot which is supposed to be your trademark?

Not really. I think, I can play all shots very well.

You did very well in South Africa...

Yes, I played two Tests there and achieved the average of 42-plus. I also got one half century, but my team was happy that I batted very well against the ferocious bowling attack of the South Africa.

It must be a different experience playing in the scorching heat of India ...

Yes, definitely. But I travelled in 1992. At that time most of the matches were played in the South of India. But Ahmedabad was 45 degree Celcius; pitches too are dry and flat and the crowd is always roaring. But I believe, ultimately, all these things make a cricketer more complete.

Would you subscribe to the view that the New Zealand team lacks a genuine match-winner?

No, I don't think so. I think we have got Cairns, Nash, Vettori, who have won matches for us. All of them can bat as well.

What are you more comfortable against, fast bowling or spin?

To me it is never a problem. I'm a batsman and I know I will have to face both. So I really don't mind facing pace or spin.

Have you modeled your batsmanship on any particular batsman?

No one in particular, but I admire Steve Waugh. He is, to me, what batting is all about. Sachin, Dravid too are fantastic players, and not to speak of Ganguly.

Would you like to play in England if a county offer comes your way?

Surely. In fact, once I played a match at Lord's in 1990, when I was just 17 or 18 years old and came straight from my school. But the atmosphere was awe-inspiring.

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