Longtime Northern Knight and former BLACKCAPS international ANTON DEVCICH announced his retirement from cricket on 19 July 2021.
New Zealand Croatia Cricket joins with the cricket community in congratulating 'Devi' on a long and competitive career that ultimately saw him play T20 cricket all around the globe.
Having represented ND since the age of 19, the Hamilton lad with Croatian family roots in Podgora made his first-class debut against the Otago Volts at Gisborne in January 2005.
New Zealand Croatia Cricket joins with the cricket community in congratulating 'Devi' on a long and competitive career that ultimately saw him play T20 cricket all around the globe.
Having represented ND since the age of 19, the Hamilton lad with Croatian family roots in Podgora made his first-class debut against the Otago Volts at Gisborne in January 2005.
He was one of four 19-year-old debutants in that team, the others being Brad Wilson, Daniel Flynn and Te Ahu Davis. Batting at 9, Anton was stranded on 94 not out when the last wicket fell in the first innings. The 9th wicket partnership of 96 between Anton and Graeme Aldridge (29) was a major factor in a stunning ND victory.
That was to remain Anton’s highest first-class score for ND until he scored 123 v Otago at Seddon Park, some 10 seasons later in March 2015. He then followed with 132 v Wellington at the Basin Reserve in the very next game. That 2014/15 season was to be Anton’s finest first-class season, scoring 744 runs at an average of 49. Frustratingly, after such an outstanding start in 2005, it was the only season in which he averaged above 40 in first-class cricket. However, he did add two further centuries in 2017/18 (116 v Canterbury at Rangiora and 106 v Central Districts in Napier).
In his 53 first class games for ND, Anton scored 2,606 runs at an average 28, with four centuries and 13 half centuries. He also took 47 wickets, at an average 35, and 32 catches.
Anton’s career coincided with the increased profile of white-ball cricket, and especially the advent of T20 competitions worldwide. Perhaps the shorter versions suited his approach and skill sets better than the longer red ball format as he came to be seen as one of the best white-ball players in New Zealand. His aggressive batting at the top of the order and his ability to access all areas of the ground with a range of shots put pressure on even the best bowlers.
In 73 List A one day games for ND Anton scored 1,937 runs at an average of 30 (scoring one century and 17 half centuries). His century was 101 not out v the Volts at Seddon Park in 2012.
In 109 T20 games for ND, Anton scored 2,395 runs at an average of 26 (one century, 15 half centuries and a strike rate of 137). The century came as recently as last season, when he blasted 102 off 49 balls v the Central Stags in a loss at Pukekura Park, an innings which included 9 sixes.
Anton’s slow left-armers were also more effective in the shorter formats of the game. His undercutters, arm balls, and changes of pace have proved difficult to score from and he has often been given the new ball to use in T20s. He was a key bowler for ND in T20s for a significant period. His T20 figures of 66 wickets at 24 (economy rate of 7.4) shows how valuable he was in this format, more impressive than his 42 wickets at 47 in the one-day format. However, his best bowling figures for ND, 5/46 v Wellington at the Basin Reserve in 2018/19, came in the latter format.
Anton’s performances in domestic cricket saw him rewarded with selection for the Blackcaps in 12 ODIs and four International T20s. He was not out of place at the highest level. He scored 58 v Pakistan in an ODI in Sharjah, 59 in a T20 v Bangladesh, and scored his maiden first class century for NZ A v India A in India in 2013.
Anton’s performances for ND and New Zealand did not go unnoticed in other parts of the cricketing world. He epitomises the modern-day cricketer who finds a particular niche in T20 cricket. He has travelled the world and played in numerous overseas leagues – from the Big Bash in Australia to the Caribbean Premier League, the Pakistan Super League, and leagues in Ireland, Hong Kong, and Canada.
Anton will be remembered for his competitiveness, his aggressive batting, his parsimonious bowling, and his athletic fielding. There is no doubt Anton’s has been one of the great ND careers.
For Anton Devcich, there are many fond memories to cherish after a long-serving career.
“ND has been a part of my life since I first wore the ND cap at the age of 12, so I am extremely proud and honoured to have played so many seasons for ND. I’ll hang on to some great friendships and memories that the game has given me.
"A favourite memory of mine was playing in the Champions League, where we had one of the best teams I think ND could ever put on paper. We held our own against some of the best teams in the world at the time and played some exciting cricket. It was awesome. Adding to that all the championships we won over the years was a highlight also."
As we know, behind every athlete is a great support crew, and Devcich acknowledges those special people in his life who made it all possible.
“I would like to thank my family and wife Brooke for the endless support over the years, it wouldn’t have been possible without you guys around. Also, to Chris Kuggeleijn who has been my coach since 13, you’re a legend mate, thanks for your help.”
ND plans to recognise and celebrate Anton’s career at their season launch on Thursday 2 September 2021. NZ Croatia Cricket committee has sent a letter of acknowledgement to Anton congratulating him on a fine career and we look forward to hm joining brother Dean Devcich in NZ Croatia colours before too long.
Anton will be remembered for his competitiveness, his aggressive batting, his parsimonious bowling, and his athletic fielding. There is no doubt Anton’s has been one of the great ND careers.
For Anton Devcich, there are many fond memories to cherish after a long-serving career.
“ND has been a part of my life since I first wore the ND cap at the age of 12, so I am extremely proud and honoured to have played so many seasons for ND. I’ll hang on to some great friendships and memories that the game has given me.
"A favourite memory of mine was playing in the Champions League, where we had one of the best teams I think ND could ever put on paper. We held our own against some of the best teams in the world at the time and played some exciting cricket. It was awesome. Adding to that all the championships we won over the years was a highlight also."
As we know, behind every athlete is a great support crew, and Devcich acknowledges those special people in his life who made it all possible.
“I would like to thank my family and wife Brooke for the endless support over the years, it wouldn’t have been possible without you guys around. Also, to Chris Kuggeleijn who has been my coach since 13, you’re a legend mate, thanks for your help.”
ND plans to recognise and celebrate Anton’s career at their season launch on Thursday 2 September 2021. NZ Croatia Cricket committee has sent a letter of acknowledgement to Anton congratulating him on a fine career and we look forward to hm joining brother Dean Devcich in NZ Croatia colours before too long.