Martin Guptill

‘’Two Toes’’ as he is fondly known to team-mates as a result of losing three toes in a truck accident, Martin Guptill showed guts and determination not only whilst overcoming the accident but also when he went on to represent his country on the international stage.

The Auckland-born player arrived on the domestic scene in 2006 scoring a duck in the first innings and 99 in the second in his debut game against Wellington. He went on to play in the 2006 Under-19 World Cup, but came of age in the 2007-08 season when he scored heavily both in the domestic arena and in the ‘Emerging Players Tournament’ in Australia. His performances saw him elevated to New Zealand’s ‘A’ side before a century on ODI debut against the West Indies in 2009 announced his arrival at the international level.

A wonderful timer of the cricket ball, his short-arm pull on one leg was a stroke which he played with ease. His talent was unquestionable but a dip in form by mid-2010 pummelled his career graph, questioning his place in the side. The 2015 ICC World Cup was a tremendous tournament for him. Starting on a low, he announced himself with a century against Bangladesh, following it up with a double ton against the Windies. He also ended up as the leading run-getter in the tournament and the man with the most fours in the event.