A tall, lean left-armer O'Connor has the classical build for an over-the-wicket attacking bowler. After starting first-class cricket as a 21-year-old O'Connor relied very much on a short-of-a-length bounce attack. Then he changed, concentrating on bowling inswing, with sudden success against Australia and South Africa. A knee injury halted his 2000-01 season, and O'Connor spent the convalescing time eradicating a kink in his action, and finding even more inswing. O'Connor used to be a costly one-day bowler, but became much more effective with his changed style. But injuries and inability to find a regular place in the New Zealand side took their final toll. He announced his retirement after the 2003 World Cup, saying: "I've got an opportunity to get a business up and running and hopefully that's going to set me up for the rest of my life."
Don Cameron

• O'Connor's retirement a blow for New Zealand (Mar 28, 2003)
  
• O'Connor's recovery shaping well for new season (Jul 23, 2002)
  
• O'Connor's Test career suffers another blow, coming home (Nov 19, 2001)
  
• Injured players return to strengthen New Zealand team (Oct 5, 2001)
  
• African duty just an appetiser for O'Connor (Jun 12, 2001)
  

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Feb 2, 2003 O'Connor delivers a ball. State of Origin: North Island v South Island at Auckland, 2 Feb 2003 © Photosport

Apr 7, 2002 Shayne O'Connor - Portrait, November 2001 © New Zealand Cricket

Oct 26, 2001 Shayne O'Connor - Portrait October 2001 © Getty Images

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