Former New Zealand Fast Bowler Derek Stirling Passes Away At 62
Published - 13 Dec 2023, 12:42 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 12:23 AM
Former New Zealand cricketer Derek Stirling passed away on Wednesday, December 13, at the age of 62 after a brief illness. The former Black Caps fast bowler is survived by his wife, Debbie, and their three children: sons Daniel and Michael, and daughter Annie.
Derek Stirling, who played in six tests and six ODIs, made his debut for New Zealand in 1984 against Pakistan in Lahore. He couldn’t represent the New Zealand team more often due to competition with bowlers like Sir Richard Hadlee, Ewen Chatfield, and Lance Cairns.
The pacer debuted in Test cricket against Pakistan in Lahore in 1984 and concluded his Test career against England in London in 1986. Stirling claimed a total of 13 wickets, with his best bowling figures of 5-170 achieved against Pakistan in Karachi in December 1984.
Derek Stirling made his first-class debut for the Central Districts, showcasing his talent by claiming 6-75 against the Northern Districts. He played for Central Districts from 1981 to 1988 and later for Wellington from 1988 to 1992, accumulating a total of 206 first-class wickets in 84 matches and 90 List-A scalps from 65 matches.
Never Achieved What I Potentially Could’ve – Derek Stirling
Reflecting on his cricket career, Stirling acknowledged that he may not have fulfilled his full potential due to inconsistency both on and off the field. Stirling expressed satisfaction with his cricketing journey, highlighting the positive experiences he had.
“I probably never achieved what I potentially could’ve. I was too inconsistent, probably on and off the field,” Stirling told Stuff in a 2014 interview.
“Just making the [New Zealand] team was an achievement. Getting better and staying there was the next step and I never grasped that. But I don’t regret it. It was an amateur era. I don’t regret one second of it. I played overseas, cricket was good to me.”
Derek Stirling had a diverse professional career, starting as a salesman for DB Breweries and later dealing with photocopiers as a partner for Bay Canon. He served as an occasional radio commentator in Napier, providing expert insights for international matches.
