Gary Troup

A big, strong and consistent left-arm medium-fast bowler, Gary Troup was an inconsistent selection for New Zealand during the late-1970s and early 1980s. Big-hearted and accurate, his finest moments came during the 1979-80 home series against West Indies. Initially, it was for his effort with the bat in the first Test at Carisbrook. He joined Lance Cairns with New Zealand at 73 for 8, needing 104 to win. Cairns departed with four runs required. Troup, and No. 11 batsman Stephen Boock, nudged and nurdled their way to a controversial one-wicket over the tourists. By the end of the series, which was won 1-0 by New Zealand, Troup had taken 18 wickets at 20.61. In the third Test at Eden Park he achieved a place in the cricket history of the country by being only the third New Zealand to take 10 wickets in a Test, behind Jack Cowie and Richard Hadlee.

However, competition for places in the side was tough during his era and he played only 15 Tests in the period from his debut in 1976-77 in India, until 1985-86 at home. By that time his average, for the 39 Test wickets he secured, had burgeoned to 37.28. He was an outstanding performer for his Auckland side, a fact acknowledged when he was awarded a benefit season, and he ended his career with 200 wickets for the province at an average of 26.06.
Lynn McConnell