Graham Dowling

Who is Graham Dowling?

Graham Thorne Dowling, OBE, is a former New Zealand cricketer who played 39 Test matches and captained New Zealand in 19 of them. Playing as a specialist right-handed batsman, usually an opener, he achieved moderate success, averaging 31 with the bat.

He captained Canterbury from 1962-63 to 1971-72, and the New Zealand Test team in 19 consecutive matches from 1968 to 1972. He led New Zealand to its first Test victories over India, Pakistan and West Indies.

His finest moment came at Christchurch in 1967-68 when he made a nine-hour 239 that led to New Zealand's first victory against India. It was his first match as captain, and he was the only player to score a double century on his captaincy debut until the feat was equalled by Shivnarine Chanderpaul against South Africa in 2005. At the time, his 239 was the highest Test score for New Zealand. Nevertheless, New Zealand lost the two remaining Tests of the series to go down 1-3.

He lost the middle finger of his left hand in 1970 after suffering an injury on the brief tour to Australia in 1969-70. On the tour to the West Indies in 1971-72 he suffered a back injury and had to return home after the Second Test. It was his last first-class match.