Former Black Cap Mike Shrimpton dies aged 74
Former New Zealand test cricketer and White Ferns World Cup-winning coach Mike Shrimpton has been remembered as wonderful friend and mentor after his death at the weekend.
New Zealand Cricket confirmed Shrimpton, a long-serving stalwart of Hawke's Bay cricket who played the bulk of his 122 first-class matches for Central Districts, died at the age of 74.
A stylish right-hand batsman and leg-spinner, Shrimpton was captain of Central Districts in the 1969-70 and 1972-73 seasons, and from 1976-77 to 1978-79.
His 10-test career spanned more than a decade, ending in Australia in 1973-74.
Shrimpton was a well-respected teacher and arguably made his greatest contribution to the game after his playing days when he shifted his focus to coaching.
He filled a variety of coaching roles at NZC and is best remembered as the coach of the White Ferns team which won the Women's Cricket World Cup in New Zealand in 2000.
The presentation bat he was awarded following the tournament was donated to Central Districts and is now the Mike Shrimpton Trophy – contested by women's teams in the region.
White Ferns coach Haidee Tiffen, who played in the side in 2000, said Shrimpton would always be remembered as an astute and insightful coach, as well as being a true gentleman of the game.
"Mike was a wonderful coach and mentor. Cricket, and women's cricket in particular, has lost a great friend," Tiffen said.
"He was extremely considered and insightful in his approach and had a wonderfully empowering effect on all our players.
"Mike made cricket fun for everyone. He had a really dry sense of humour and made people laugh. We'll miss him greatly."
A popular figure on the domestic circuit, Shrimpton scored 5812 first-class runs at 29.80, including seven centuries and a highest score of 150. His leg-spin accounted for 81 first-class wickets at 29.45.
Shrimpton also played 40 Hawke Cup matches for Hawke's Bay and remains the District Association's top-run scorer.
A former New Zealand selector, and a life member of the Central Districts Association, he was in 2006-07 awarded the Bert Sutcliffe Medal for services to cricket.
A memorial service to celebrate Mike’s life will be held in the Pettigrew Lounge, Chapman Pavilion, McLean Park, Napier on Saturday 20 June at 1:00pm.
New Zealand Cricket confirmed Shrimpton, a long-serving stalwart of Hawke's Bay cricket who played the bulk of his 122 first-class matches for Central Districts, died at the age of 74.
A stylish right-hand batsman and leg-spinner, Shrimpton was captain of Central Districts in the 1969-70 and 1972-73 seasons, and from 1976-77 to 1978-79.
His 10-test career spanned more than a decade, ending in Australia in 1973-74.
Shrimpton was a well-respected teacher and arguably made his greatest contribution to the game after his playing days when he shifted his focus to coaching.
He filled a variety of coaching roles at NZC and is best remembered as the coach of the White Ferns team which won the Women's Cricket World Cup in New Zealand in 2000.
The presentation bat he was awarded following the tournament was donated to Central Districts and is now the Mike Shrimpton Trophy – contested by women's teams in the region.
White Ferns coach Haidee Tiffen, who played in the side in 2000, said Shrimpton would always be remembered as an astute and insightful coach, as well as being a true gentleman of the game.
"Mike was a wonderful coach and mentor. Cricket, and women's cricket in particular, has lost a great friend," Tiffen said.
"He was extremely considered and insightful in his approach and had a wonderfully empowering effect on all our players.
"Mike made cricket fun for everyone. He had a really dry sense of humour and made people laugh. We'll miss him greatly."
A popular figure on the domestic circuit, Shrimpton scored 5812 first-class runs at 29.80, including seven centuries and a highest score of 150. His leg-spin accounted for 81 first-class wickets at 29.45.
Shrimpton also played 40 Hawke Cup matches for Hawke's Bay and remains the District Association's top-run scorer.
A former New Zealand selector, and a life member of the Central Districts Association, he was in 2006-07 awarded the Bert Sutcliffe Medal for services to cricket.
A memorial service to celebrate Mike’s life will be held in the Pettigrew Lounge, Chapman Pavilion, McLean Park, Napier on Saturday 20 June at 1:00pm.