Derek Stirling, a former New Zealand pacer, dies at the age of 62

At the age of sixty-two, former cricket player Derek Stirling of New Zealand passed away on Wednesday, December 13.

Between 1984 and 1986, fast bowler Stirling represented the Blackcaps in six Test matches and the same number of ODIs. In six ODIs and thirteen Test wickets, he claimed wickets. Stirling was unlucky not to have made more appearances for the national team because he was playing during a period when many Kiwi pacers, including Lance Cairns, Ewen Chatfield, and Richard Hadlee, excelled in international cricket.

“I most likely never accomplished what I could have. I think that both on and off the field, I was too erratic. It was a success just to get on the [New Zealand] squad. The next phase was to get better and stay there, but I never understood that. Not that I regret it, though. It was essentially a time for amateurs. Not a moment of it is regrettable. In a 2014 interview with Stuff, Stirling said, “I played overseas; cricket was good to me.”

In domestic cricket, Derek Stirling has some very remarkable stats. From 1981 to 1988, he played for the Central Districts, and from 1988 to 1992, he played for Wellington. In 84 first-class matches, the right-arm seamer claimed 206 wickets, while in 65 List A matches, he claimed 90 wickets.

On their official ‘X’ (formerly Twitter) account, New Zealand Cricket (NZC) shared news of Stirling’s passing.

“NZC is feeling the loss of Derek Stirling, a 62-year-old former Test fast bowler. A well-liked member of both the @CDCricket and @cricketwgtninc sides, “Billy” participated in six Tests and six ODIs for his nation. The governing body of cricket in New Zealand tweeted, “Our thoughts are with his family and friends.”

NZC is deeply saddened by the passing of former Test fast-bowler Derek Stirling, aged 62. “Billy” as he was known, played 6 Tests and 6 ODIs for his country and was a popular member of both the @CDCricket, and @cricketwgtninc sides. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.

— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) December 13, 2023

Stirling, a resident of Hastings, spent a lot of time coaching young cricket players and chaired the Hawke’s Bay Cricket Association after he retired.

“Compared to when I played, I am a far better coach. “My basic belief is that anyone can play at Lord’s or represent New Zealand if a lanky, skinny kid from Takaro Primary School in Palmerston North can,” Stirling had stated in 2014.