Figuring out Sir Richard Hadlee on his 70th birthday

NZ pacer Richard Hadlee appeals against India’s Arun Lal during the second Test at Mumbai in 1988. Pic/Getty Images

'New Zealand's right-arm pacer was the first player to capture 400 Test wickets. He claimed his 400th Test scalp when he bowled India's Sanjay Manjrekar in the second innings of the Christchurch Test in 1990. The Sultan of Swing ended his glittering career with 431 wickets in just 86 Tests in 1990 - the most by any bowler in Test cricket at that time.

'The 6ft, 1inch pacer claimed five or more wickets in an innings 36 times in Tests - a then record. He also won the Player-of-the-series awards eight times - a joint highest with former Pakistan pacer Imran Khan - at the time of his retirement.

'Hadlee, who was knighted in 1990, is till date the only New Zealander to claim nine wickets in a Test innings (9-52) - at Brisbane against Australia in 1985. His match figures of 15-123 (his best in a Test match) helped the visitors register an innings and 41 runs win over Australia.

'The Christchurch-born speedster claimed 10 or more wickets nine times in his Test career, a then record.

'Hadlee showed his skills with the bat too, scoring 3,124 Test runs, including two centuries.

'Apart from Test cricket, Hadlee left his mark in one-dayers. He was the first player to score 1,000 runs and claim 100 wickets in that format. He finished his one-day career with 158 scalps in 115 matches. His economy rate of 3.30 is the fifth best in ODI cricket till date.

'Most members of the Hadlee family played international cricket for New Zealand. His father Walter, who represented the country in 11 Tests, led the national side in eight matches. Sir Richard, along with brothers Dayle (26 Tests and 11 ODIs) and Barry (two ODIs) represented New Zealand in the 1975 World Cup. His wife Karen played a 1978 Women's World Cup match for the country.