Team captain recalls halcyon days

University of Otago student international services manager and Gown team captain Jason Cushen....
University of Otago student international services manager and Gown team captain Jason Cushen. Photo by Linda Robertson.
As part of O Week's celebrations, a team of cricketers from the University of Otago will face a Dunedin City Council side in a Town v Gown match at the artificial wicket in Harbour Tce at noon today.

Gown captain Jason Cushen spoke to the Otago Daily Times before the match.

Q: What makes you the ideal captain?

A: Prof Richard Blaikie, deputy vice chancellor of research and enterprise, was originally ''selected'' as the university captain, but other commitments prevented him from playing.

I suspect, in casting around for a replacement, the fact that my office was down the corridor from the team selector was probably the most important factor. Being a university, you can be sure that we will be taking a collegial approach when making decisions.

Q: Describe your fondest memory of being a scarfie?

A: Meeting Leah, my wife.

Q: What is your first memory of cricket?

A: I have a few, but the most topical would be watching Sri Lanka playing Auckland at Eden Park in the 1982 83 series. I was there to watch my father play for Auckland, but was lucky enough to see Sri Lanka as they were just coming on to the international scene.

Q: If you compared yourself with one cricketer, who would it be?

A: If I was to answer this question I would end up insulting someone with a lot more talent than I ever had. The best way to describe my ''style'' is that I probably bat like Danny Morrison and bowl like John Wright.

Q: What were you doing at the age of 18?

A: Studying studiously, attending all my lectures and tutorials, and spending a lot of time in the library - or that is how I remember it after 20 years.

Q: What's your prediction for the Cricket World Cup?

A: We have a very good chance this year and I wouldn't be surprised to see us in the finals. 

 

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