Brian McKechnie was a double international in an era when that was considered to have been a feat from a forgotten era. He made his debut for Otago in the Plunkett Shield while a teenager in 1971-72, helping them win the title. A bits-and-pieces cricketer, his career stats are hardly inspiring withy only two fifties and no five-fors in his 76 first-class and List A matches. But he played in an era when such attributes were valued in one-day cricket and he made 14 appearances for New Zealand, the last being when he faced Trevor Chappell's infamous underarm delivery at the MCG in 1980-81.

As a centre, McKechnie was sound with a reliable boot. His debut for Southland in 1976 was surprising as he had pulled out of a cricket tour of India citing a hand injury. He quickly won international recognition, making his debut as a full-back against France in 1977. In 1978 he came on as a replacement against Australia and was disapppinting, missing out on the subsequent tour of Britain. But injuries earned him a recall and he came on as a substitute full-back against Wales and was again involved in one of sport's controversial moments. With Wales leading 12-10, he kicked the penalty which gave the All Blacks victory, a result of a bitterly disputed dive at a line-out. He retained his place for Tests against England and Scotland which were both won, the first Grand Slam by the All Blacks. In all he played nine Tests for the All Blacks scoring 46 points.

After retiring he served as a Canterbury and then a national selector.
Martin Williamson

Jan 1, 2003

Members of the New Zealand selection panel enjoy watching the match. 3rd ODI: New Zealand v India at Christchurch, 1 Jan 2003

© Photosport

1981

Trevor Chappell walks off after his infamous underarm delivery to Brian McKechnie

© The Cricketer International

1981

Trevor Chappell bowls his infamous underarm delivery to Brian McKechnie, Australia v New Zealand, Melbourne, 1981

© The Cricketer International