The New Zealand fast bowler on coffee, Italian food and what possibly did the tourists in against England in the first Test earlier this month
Interview by Alan Gardner23-Jun-2022This interview was conducted ahead of New Zealand’s Test series in EnglandWhat’s your go-to meal?
Probably Italian. There is a place that my partner and I go to in Auckland that does a lovely duck risotto.What about cooking – do you have a speciality in the kitchen?
I’ve tended in the last couple of years to go more down the path of eating out and enjoying someone else’s expertise rather than my own. Especially when we travel a lot, you get a chance to try some new places and different sorts of foods.Which cricket venue has the best catering?
I think a lot of people would say Lord’s but I’m going to go either Hagley Oval or Bay Oval.What edges out Lord’s?
It’s in New Zealand (). Yeah, I think it’s probably just being at home – you get to experience those places a bit more. I’ve only been to Lord’s once, so maybe it’ll shift in a couple of weeks’ time. But I’m happy to stick with some homegrown food.Related
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Was there anything that Lord’s did well when you went in 2021?
I remember having some prawns as an entrée and they were outstanding. Can’t remember what sauce was with them, but if we have those again, there could be some full stomachs going out on the field after lunch.Which team-mate is the best in the kitchen?
Matt Henry. He whips up some pretty good food. I think he’d probably be up there.Does he do good pasta?
I’m not sure, he hasn’t actually cooked for me! But he’s not afraid of sending a few snaps about it.Who’s the biggest coffee hipster?
It’s hard to go past Ticks [Blair Tickner] – he’s got his own café. But I think most guys tend to enjoy their coffee. Everyone’s got their own coffee machine at home. Had some pretty good brews since we’ve been here [in the UK], as part of our walk to the ground. It’s probably hard to find someone that doesn’t enjoy coffee, rather than the other way around.Is there anything you can’t go on tour without?
We travelled around with coffee beans last year, and little AeroPresses to make our coffees, but we haven’t had to take that on tour this year – we’ve been able to go out and grab one. I wouldn’t say there’s too much, food-wise. I’m pretty happy to go out and try things from where we are in the world.
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What fast food can you get away with eating as an international cricketer?
I reckon burgers are probably the biggest hit among the guys, especially after a bowling day. You go get a burger and fries, maybe even a shake. That tends to be the go-to, especially amongst the fast bowlers.Best place to get a burger?
There are a couple of places in Christchurch, Bacon Bros and Shaka Bros, they’re pretty good. Burger Burger [too]. There’s a number of options, so we sort of tend to rotate through them.You’ve heard of the Rock’s ‘cheat days’ – what would you have on yours?
I’d love to have some of his pancakes or waffles. They’re outstanding. He’s a fit guy. I think he burns a bit more calories than I do. Probably again, I’ll go Italian, pizza or pasta.What’s your preferred post-workout snack?
We have protein shakes usually, but I don’t mind having sushi. I usually gym early in the morning, so might have sushi around lunchtime. Not that it’s specific to gym stuff but I often go for Japanese.Is there anything that you have had to cut out of your diet?
I don’t really keep away from too much. But I definitely stay away from tomatoes – I just don’t like them. I don’t mind blended up tomatoes, but I don’t like whole tomatoes.
