A dominant all-rounder who took 246 wickets and scored over 3,400 runs in 56 Tests, earning him a place in the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame.
Ken Rutherford, born on 26 October 1965, is a former New Zealand cricketer who enjoyed a remarkable ten-year career with the national team, serving as captain during the 1990s. He is particularly notable for being the 50th ODI cap for New Zealand, a testament to his exceptional skills on the field.
Rutherford's cricketing journey began at a young age, making his debut for Kings High School first XI in Dunedin. He was only 13 years old when he made the team, impressing everyone with his talent. He went on to make his debut for Otago in 1982-83 at the age of 17, batting at number six.
His impressive performance earned him a scholarship at Lord's in 1984, followed by a selection for the Young New Zealand tour of Zimbabwe. Opening the batting for Otago in 1984-85, he scored 442 runs at 44.20, including his first century, 130 against Auckland.
Rutherford's international career took off when he was asked to open the batting for New Zealand in the West Indies, a team that was at the height of its powers at the time. He went on to play 56 Tests and 121 ODIs for New Zealand, scoring over 3,000 runs in both formats.
One of his most remarkable performances was his highest first-class score of 317, achieved while playing for a New Zealand touring side against a D.B. Close XI at Scarborough in 1986. This innings contained eight sixes and 45 boundary fours, crossing the boundary rope a record 53 times.
Rutherford's family has a strong cricketing tradition. His elder brother, Ian Rutherford, played first-class cricket as a batsman for Otago from 1974-75 to 1983-84. The brothers played together in the same Otago team in 1982-83 and 1983-84.
In a heartwarming moment, Rutherford's son, Hamish Rutherford, made his Test debut for New Zealand against England in March 2013, scoring 171.
Rutherford's exceptional cricketing career earned him several awards and honors. He was awarded the New Zealand Cricket Almanack's "Batsman of the Year" in 1985-86 and 1989-90.
In recognition of his services to cricket, Rutherford was inducted into the New Zealand Cricket Hall of Fame in 2013.
Ken Rutherford's cricketing legacy extends beyond his impressive statistics and records. He is remembered for his aggressive batting style, which inspired a generation of cricketers. His captaincy and leadership skills played a crucial role in shaping the New Zealand cricket team during the 1990s.
Rutherford's contribution to New Zealand cricket is still celebrated today, making him one of the most beloved and respected cricketers in the country's history.
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