At 15 I just wanted to live it as it comes. By 17 I didn’t realize all the options available. At 18 I was drafted into the Black Caps development squad because of a recent game in which I scored
156 not out. At 21 I got into the Black Caps
and played my first match.

I was told the critics are saying I am one of the new up and coming players and the World XI selectors were looking at me for a training match against a team of the best non international players in the world. I would participate in my 19th match the next day.

“I can’t play”. The coach stood there, speechless. I walked out.
“But……” I turned. “But what?”. I left.

We lost that match. Everyone blamed it on me, until I told them a piece of news that would change my life. That day the newspapers were amok with the story. “Red Kognet has been affected by an outbreak of melanoma”, “Kognet hit by possible killer disease”,
“Inkogneto stopped by melanoma”. All of them, mocking me, taunting me until it all came to a head when my best friend,
Bill “Rocket” Nock, was almost paralyzed in a car crash.
I called a meeting with my close friends and family to decide what I could do.

I recovered from the melanoma through radiation treatment over 6 months. I was 23 by the end of it, and I had realised the value of life. I ended up giving up cricket for a year and going on a big OE around the world.
I was noticed by a World XI selector in England playing a knock around match with Bill and some English boys celebrating one of their 21st birthdays.
He came over. “Where do you and that other guy in the jandals come from?” I looked over at Bill. “New Zealand.” I said.
He replied, “I’m a World XI selector for the game against the Asian XI in 3 months. Would you like the chance to trial?”
“Well, I gave up cricket on an international scale last year to go on this big OE, but when are the trials?”
“Two weeks, each country sends three people to them. I can give you a special invite as I am a senior selector.”
“Ok, could I have a number? I’ll discuss it with my friend and get back to you.”

Three weeks later we had decided. We were on the plane home and we were going to seek advice on whether to continue our OE, or take up our beloved sport and possibly be immortalized in the history of cricket. The next day was a turning point in my life. It was announced I was back in the Black Caps and that I would trial for the World XI.

“I got in”. That was all I could say.

Anyway, I am about to go onto the field against the Asian XI.
“C’mon, man, pull yourself together. You can bowl 147 km/h.
You have a high score of 179.
You can do it.

Arghh, who is this guy? He must be bowling 160 at least!
Whoa, that was close.
“Crack!!!!!” What? Was that my wickets?
No. It was my bat. It must have been my bat. I hope. I saw the umpire’s hand go up. “ARGHHHHHHHHH!” I yelled.
“What are you yelling about? You hit a six!” said Brendon McCullum, from the other end.
“Ahhhh………….”

Last over, 30 to win. Um, not gunna happen.
Brendon’s on strike. He’s on 86, I’m on 79.
Whack! 6. “Shot!” I called.
Thonk! No……. that……was….his……wickets.
“No ball.” Whew.
Whok! Looks like it’s gone for four. No! The fielder has come round! “RUN!!” Brendon yelled.
Whew. Made it.
Whack! 6.
Whack! 6.
Whack! 6.
Last ball. 4 runs needed.
Here comes the bowler. Whoa! It’s slow motion.
That only happens in movies! Ball’s coming. Short, on the off side. I charge forward. ARGHHHHHHHH! I duck. It’s back at normal speed. I scramble back into my crease. “No ball”.
YES! I still have a chance.

From there everything’s a blur. I was faintly aware of Brendon
running towards me screaming. I’m told we won.

New Zealand loves a good win. This was ecstatic.

Why couldn’t I be a fireman?