2022 in Review: January
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By Aiden McLaughlin
New Year’s Day brought a Blackcaps test match against Bangladesh at Bay Oval, but it didn’t bring the expected result. Despite a first innings century from Devon Conway, the home side, without captain Kane Williamson, conceded a first innings lead of 130 and after being bowled out in their second innings for just 169, fall to an eight-wicket defeat. The home side manage to draw the series with a win at Hagley Oval the following week, by an innings and 117 runs. It’s also Ross Taylor’s final test match and as fate would have it, he takes the final wicket, assisted by Tom Latham who takes the catch.
Wellington Blaze take their fourth Super Smash title in five years, beating the Otago Sparks in the finals, while the Northern Brave beat the Canterbury Kings to take the men’s competition.
The first tennis Grand Slam tournament, the Australian Open, starts in Melbourne, but before it gets underway, Novak Djokovic causes a stir. He arrives in Melbourne on January 5 but is denied entry into the country after nine hours at the airport. His Covid vaccine exemption is not considered to be fit for purpose and his visa is cancelled. After appealing the decision, and losing, he finally leaves Australia on January 16, the day before the tournament gets under way.
On the court, the men’s singles title is won by Rafa Nadal, who defeats Daniil Medvedev in the final. The women’s singles title is won by home favourite Ash Barty, who beats Danielle Collins in straight sets.
Three-time Olympic gold medallist and seven-time World Champion Hamish Bond retires from rowing.
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