Hamish Reflects On Career Part Two
4 December 2014
Hamish Marshall is looking forward to his benefit season next year and has been reflecting further on his time with Gloucestershire.
It might easily have come to an end after his second season with the club when he was faced with a tough decision sure to have a major influence on the remainder of his career.
Hamish recalled: “Back in 2007 I had the choice of being contracted back home by New Zealand or staying here and signing another contract for Gloucestershire as a non-overseas player because I had an Irish passport.
“After the World Cup in West Indies I had come back to Bristol for my second year as the overseas signing and began to think about my options going forward.
“In a way it was a nice position to be in because I had a choice. I had really enjoyed my time in county cricket and, while I had relished playing at international level, I was by that time in and out of the New Zealand side.
“In the end I decided to stay and really get stuck into playing for Gloucestershire. There was still the chance to go home and play as an overseas signing in New Zealand.
“It wasn’t an easy decision, but I have made a life in England and had some wonderful years with Gloucestershire, while still supporting New Zealand by watching them on TV at every opportunity.
“There are some good friends of mine still in the team and I wish them nothing but success. There are no regrets whatsoever.”
Like all professional sportsmen, Hamish has had his ups and downs during a long career, but even the bad times have not affected his love for the game.
“Facing the Tiflex ball while it was in use was a challenge and my stats weren’t as good, but I still found it enjoyable,” he said. “I have been lucky in sharing a dressing room with some great team-mates over the years.
“I think Alex Gidman was the last one left of the group I first joined, but I shall always have fond memories of a lot of great characters, many of whom are still good friends.
“The future is bright for Gloucestershire because we have some talented players developing by the year and some good kids coming through the Academy.”
And what about the future for Hamish himself when his playing career comes to an end?
“I hope that won’t be for a while yet,” he said. “It’s possible I will stay in the game, but also possible I might do something else out in the real world!
“I would like to give something back to cricket when I finish playing, but whether it will be in an official capacity as a coach or just helping out a club side I’m not sure yet.”
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