Wellington, 25 March (H.S.):

New Zealand Cricket inducted former allrounder Jeremy Coney and Haidee Tiffen into its Hall of Fame on Wednesday marking the first new names since last years inaugural First Eleven announcement.

Coney played international cricket from 1974 to 1987 anchoring New Zealands golden era in the 1980s. As captain his side notched three historic Test series wins in 1985 and 1986 beating Australia in Australia and at home plus England in England. In 52 Tests he scored 2668 runs with three centuries and 15 fifties while taking 27 wickets. In 88 ODIs he made 1874 runs and claimed 54 wickets. Post-retirement he thrived as commentator and presenter.

Haidee Tiffen ranks among New Zealands finest women cricketers. She debuted at 19 against South Africa in 1999. Across 117 ODIs she scored 2919 runs including one century and 18 fifties plus 49 wickets with medium pace. She played two Tests and nine T20Is and as captain led the team to the 2009 World Cup final. After retiring in 2009 she coached the Black Caps women.

Tiffen called the honour huge expressing pride at joining role models like Debbie Hockley Sir Richard Hadlee and Emily Drumm who inspired her from Timaru.

Last year the Hall welcomed Bert Sutcliffe John R. Reid Jackie Lord Trish McKelvey Glenn Turner Sir Richard Hadlee Debbie Hockley Martin Crowe Emily Drumm Daniel Vettori and Brendon McCullum.

Eligibility requires representing New Zealand retiring at least five years ago with selections weighing performance leadership and impact. Coney and Tiffen get formal recognition at the New Zealand Cricket Awards.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar