New Zealand Croatian cricket international calls time on impressive career
- by croatiaweek
- in Sport
Anton Devcich (Private album/Twitter)
After a career spanning 16 years, New Zealand international cricketer Anton Devcich (35) has announced his retirement.
Devcich, who has Croatian heritage, played 12 one-day internationals and four T20s for New Zealand. Anton’s Croatian roots hail from Podgora on the Dalmatian coast.
The left-hand opening bat and slow left-arm bowler also played for a number of international franchises, including St Kitts and Nevis, Trinidad and Tobago, Sydney, Lahore and Toronto.
In his 53 first class games for his club Northern Districts, Devcich scored 2,606 runs at an average of 28, with 4 centuries and 13 half centuries. He also took 47 wickets, at an average of 35, and 32 catches. In 73 List A (one day) games for ND Anton scored 1,937 runs at an average of 30 (scoring one century and 17 half centuries). His century was 101no v Otago at Seddon Park in 2012.
In 109 T20 games for ND Anton has scored 2,395 runs at an average of 26 (one century, 15 half centuries and a strike rate of 137). The century came as recently as last season, when he blasted 102 off 49 balls v Central Districts at Pukekura Park, an innings which included 9 sixes.
He was considered one of the best white ball players in the country, earning him a call up to the New Zealand team in 2013 when he made his ODI debut against Bangladesh. He made is T20 debut for New Zealand in the same series.
His best performances for New Zealand were knocks of 58 against Pakistan in an ODI in Sharjah and 59 in a T20 v Bangladesh. Anton scored his maiden first class century for NZ A v India A in India in 2013.
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“I would like to thank my family and wife Brooke for the endless support over the years, it wouldn’t have been possible without you guys around. Also, to Chris Kuggeleijn who has been my coach since 13, you’re a legend mate, thanks for your help,” he told Northern Districts Cricket.
His club plan to recognise and celebrate his career at their season launch on Thursday 2 September.
