Former New Zealand cricket coach, David Trist, who led the national team to their first international silverware in 2000, has sadly passed away at the age of 77. Trist’s coaching stint, although brief, was marked by securing the ICC Knockout Trophy, now recognised as the Champions Trophy.
Trist initially made his mark as a pace bowler for Canterbury, which he represented for 14 years. Post-retirement, he ventured into coaching, taking on roles with Canterbury, South Africa, Hong Kong, and the Netherlands, before stepping into the New Zealand coaching position in 1999, succeeding Steve Rixon.
Despite only serving for two years, Trist’s impact was significant. Under his guidance, New Zealand claimed their maiden global triumph by defeating India in the final in Nairobi, ultimately winning by four wickets. Chris Cairns was pivotal, scoring an unbeaten century. Reflecting on Cairns’ performance during a 2017 ESPNcricinfo interview, Trist remarked, “Cairns was outstanding, and played an innings that he will remember forever, because it was the winning of the game.”
That 2000 campaign was a memorable one, as New Zealand also overcame Zimbabwe and Pakistan. Trist recalled, “I look back on it as pleasing for the players in the first instance, and a special moment for New Zealand. Even though they were only three matches, they were very testing ones…we caused one of the bigger upsets in one-day cricket finals.”
Following his tenure with New Zealand, Trist contributed significantly to Christchurch’s Old Collegians Cricket Club and engaged in coaching roles in India and England.
In a heartfelt message, New Zealand Cricket expressed their condolences on social media: “NZC is deeply saddened to confirm the passing of former Blackcaps coach David Trist…NZC extends its heartfelt condolences to David’s family and friends.”
David Trist will be remembered for his contributions to cricket and his role in shaping a historic moment for New Zealand cricket.
