Bev Congdon was one of the finest allround cricketers ever produced by New Zealand, and was a model professional both on and off the field. Congdon was a technically correct batsman with tremendous powers of concentration - as evidenced by his back-to-back big hundreds against England in 1973 - but was also able to play in a cavalier manner when the occasion demanded. He supplemented this with sound fielding and medium-pace in and outswingers. He led New Zealand with distinction to their first Test win over Australia (after putting Australia in), and but for dropped catches would probably have recorded a momentus win over England at Lord's in 1973. Unlike many, he thrived on the captaincy and his batting seemed the better for the responsibility. Under his tenure New Zealand emerged from Test cricket's perennial losers into a side to be respected.
Martin Williamson