Matt Horne's cricketing career begs the question: What would he have achieved had inconsistency not played such a profound role?

A right-handed opening batsman, Horne was handed his Test debut against the visiting English side in 1997. He showed a great deal of patience scoring 42 in his first essay, while occupying the crease for close to three hours. He compiled his maiden ton against Australia in Hobart in November 1997. The 100 at the Lord's though was the pick of his knocks with the Kiwis wrapping a famous away series victory.

Along with his bat and gloves, Matt Horne brought with him a switch to the crease. If the switch was flicked on, he played attacking shots, threading gaps with ease. However, when it was off, he struggled even on the flattest of tracks. It was this inconsistency that prevented him from nailing a permanent berth in the side. His ODI career also suffered from poor conversion rates. Matt Horne hit 5 fifties but had no ODI tons to his name.

Arguably, he was a stronger force in first-class cricket, scoring 8500+ plus runs, including 24 tons and 33 fifties, at an average of 40.87. After retirement in 2006, Horne took up a coaching position with Auckland. His brother, Phil Horne also made spasmodic appearances for New Zealand on the international scene.

By Deivarayan Muthu