Steadfast. Resolute. Gritty. Gone.
Top-order Otago batsman Greg Todd yesterday announced he
would be playing his cricket for Auckland this summer.
With his departure, Otago has lost one of its most dependable
and tenacious anchors. But others will fill the void.
Todd had six seasons with Otago and fashioned a useful
record, particularly in four-day cricket.
In 45 first-class games for the association he scored 2774
runs at an average of 40.20, including four centuries. He
also played 52 one-day games - 1238 runs at 30.19 - and 17
twenty/20 matches - 341 runs at 28.41.
His decision to move north did not come as any great shock.
Todd was rumoured to be eying a shift to Wellington after
slipping down the pecking order last summer.
He played just three one-day games and did not feature in the
twenty/20 tournament, although he remained a key member of
the four-day team.
Otago coach Mike Hesson described Todd as a wholehearted
player but suggested his absence might not be felt as keenly
as imagined.
"He's a very passionate player. He wears his heart on his
sleeve and gives everything he's got, so he was a great guy
to have in the side," Hesson said.
But asked if Todd's departure would leave a hole or help ease
congestion, Hesson replied: "It does provide opportunities
for guys who deserve them and haven't been able to get as
many as they'd like.
"I guess we'll know in a year's time [how much he has been
missed]. The one thing, with being able to give other people
opportunities, is you find out how good they can be. So it's
exciting, really."
Perhaps Todd's greatest contribution was his fighting
quality. He was not one to undervalue his wicket. Where
others where expansive and entertaining, he was watchful and
resolute. It was more stodgy than dynamic, but often just
what Otago needed.
His best innings for Otago was arguably against Wellington in
a drawn match in November 2007. He scored a century in both
innings, including a career-high 165 in his second dig. But
his 110 in the first innings was perhaps the better of the
two - a typically gritty knock which helped his side escape a
tight spot.
Todd, who is in the Netherlands playing cricket, said in a
press release he had enjoyed his time in Otago but it was
time to move on.
"I have thoroughly enjoyed my six years at Otago and I have
plenty of people to thank for my time down there," he said.
"There are memories I will have for a lifetime and I leave
Otago with no regrets. But life moves on and I'm really
looking forward to my next challenge at Auckland to further
my game."
Hesson said Otago had no intention of looking for a
replacement from outside of the region.
"Absolutely not. We are certainly comfortable with the
batting cover we've got. Some have had plenty of experience
and some have had very little. But they are definitely ready
to step up."
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