Another masterclass from RJH431

It’s a bit easy to parody Sir Richard Hadlee (RJH431) and his utterances, but when press releases like today’s come out it’s really hard to resist.

Today’s Press Release is a venture into the mind of one of New Zealand’s greatest sportsmen.

New Zealand’s greatest fast bowler Sir Richard Hadlee has congratulated Tim Southee on winning his Medal on the final day of the ANZ New Zealand Cricket Awards and believes the 32-year-old is only getting better.

Southee, who had not previously won the supreme award, was named the winner on the basis of his sheer consistency throughout the summer; at home and abroad, in red and white ball cricket.

Hadlee joined a media zoom call with Southee to salute him.

“You’re a very deserving winner,” Hadlee said.

But wait; let’s make it about me.

“We go back 14 years to when I was part of the selection panel who first picked you and to watch you develop over the years into the fine-tuned bowler you are now has been quite remarkable.

Lol.  Just remember to thank who got you going there Tim.  Not you, but me.

“You seem to be in total control of your game and bowling as well as you ever have. You’ve got a simple technique which is easy to repeat, and your skill sets have gone to another level.

“No doubt the 400 Test wickets are in sight and maybe that magic number 431 is in the back of your mind.

No.  Sir RJH.  They are in your mind, and your mind only.  The chances are you have an advent calendar type system where you have 93 doors ready for stabbing.

“So, I’ll be watching that with some interest and if you are to reach that mark, I’m prepared to sit here and say, ‘it’s time for me to let it go’.

That’s the best bit.  Is there a bridge for sale?

“I would be very satisfied and pleased that it would be you to do it – so there you go there’s a wee bit of motivation for you.

Is that an attempt at reverse psychology?  If so that’s not bad.

“I really do congratulate you Tim on what you’ve achieved and no doubt you’ve got a few more years to give to New Zealand cricket and the game in general.”