At 6ft 5ins, Richard Collinge was a menacing prospect for any batsman. He approached the wicket off a notoriously lengthy, long-striding run, hands clawing the air. He bowled left-arm fast-medium deliveries of consistent accuracy, at a length full enough to make good use of any swing. A committed family man, he could be a reluctant tourist, but he was almost always an automatic selection when available, and when he retired he was the most prolific wicket-taker in New Zealand's history. His height and strength made him an opponent to be respected, though he was seldom genuinely fast -- and could look ordinary on true batting pitches. A determined and possibly underrated tailender, he had one great hour of glory against Pakistan at Auckland in 1972-73, when he made 68 not out, the highest score by a No. 11 in Test history, and shared in a Test-record stand of 151 with Brian Hastings. But Collinge's proudest moment was his participation in the first defeats ever inflicted by New Zealand on England and Australia. The fast inswinger with which he bowled Geoff Boycott at Wellington in 1977-78 started the collapse of England to 64 all out amid feverish excitement. It was entirely appropriate that this modest, calm stalwart should have a strong hand in one of his country's finest hours.
Christopher Martin-Jenkins

Adapted by Wisden from World Cricketers: A Biographical Dictionary (Oxford, 1996).

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Mar 16, 2004 Richard Collinge © The Cricketer International

Jun 11, 1975 Frank Hayes hits a delivery from Richard Collinge © Getty Images

Bev Congdon leads the celebrations after New Zealand's first Test victory over Australia © The Cricketer International

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