Nathan John Astle

Nathan Astle is a dynamic batsman, playing with a swashbuckling instinct which is his trademark. His job in the one-day side is to get the CLEAR Black Caps off to a positive start. Coming in at No 5 in Tests his role is to consolidate the top order batting. In 1999-2000 Nathan Astle was awarded the Walter Hadlee Trophy for batting in One-Day Internationals. In 16 matches he averaged 56.85 including an average of 80.00 in the five-match series against the West Indies. It was the second year in succession Astle had earned the trophy. The Canterbury batsman has also developed into a genuine bowling option in the one-day game and has a knack for breaking up significant partnerships. His top score in Tests is an astonishing 222, made off just 168 balls against England in March 2002, the fastest Test double-century on record.