Ahead of a three-Test series between New Zealand and England, Huw Turbervill meets of the greatest allrounders in cricket history, Sir Richard Hadlee. From throwing Brendon McCullum in at the deep end to honing his skills at Nottinghamshire.

INTERVIEW EXCERPT: You were involved when McCullum started his New Zealand career, weren't you?

I was the selector and we picked Brendon. We threw him in at the deep end, against Australia in an ODI at the SCG. He was a youngster with enormous ability. He'd been through our academy at Lincoln just outside of Christchurch. We saw something in him. We wanted him to open the batting and keep. He needed those two aspects to gain international recognition initially, but as time went on he had an outstanding record and was respected all around the world. Some of his strokeplay was audacious... he pioneered the sweep over the keeper's head for six. I recall watching him playing the Australians at Lancaster Park, against Shaun Tait I think, and he played the scoop... he trailblazed. Others latched on. Batsmen were at risk of hurting themselves, but they developed a technique enabling a lot of runs to be scored. It was entertaining.

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