Anton Paul Devcich is a professional cricket player from New Zealand known for his explosive batting and versatility in the shorter formats of the game. Born on September 5, 1985, in Hamilton, New Zealand, Devcich has been a consistent performer in the domestic cricket scene, but has struggled to establish a permanent spot in the national side.
Devcich made his mark in the cricketing world during the 2004 Under-19 World Cup in Bangladesh, representing New Zealand. He showcased his skills as a lower-order batsman and played an instrumental role in guiding his team to success on five occasions. Despite batting at No. 9 and 10 in his early first-class career, Devcich demonstrated his potential by scoring an unbeaten 94 in his debut match for Northern Districts against Otago in the 2004-05 State Championship.
Over the years, Devcich worked his way up the batting order and became a regular opener in shorter formats. His ability to strike the ball powerfully and his consistency in domestic cricket earned him recognition. However, he struggled to translate his performances into a permanent spot in the national team.
In 2013, Devcich had an impressive tour of India and Sri Lanka as part of the A team, emerging as one of the top run-getters against both countries. This led to his inclusion in the senior team’s limited-overs squad for the tour of Bangladesh. On his T20I debut, Devcich scored a half-century, displaying his talent. Unfortunately, he faced a setback during the tour of Sri Lanka, managing only six runs in three ODI innings and subsequently lost his place in the team.
Devcich had to wait for another year before getting another opportunity, which came after a successful Champions League T20 in 2014. He was the second-highest run-getter for Northern Districts in the tournament. Despite his previous struggles at the international level, Devcich failed to leave a lasting impact against Pakistan in the UAE, scoring only 84 runs in three ODI innings.
However, the 2015-16 domestic season proved to be a turning point for Devcich. He had an outstanding performance in the shorter formats, scoring heavily in the domestic T20 and one-day tournaments. His form made him a valuable asset for his team, but he couldn’t replicate the same success in the first-class tournament.
Off the field, Devcich has been praised for his dedication and hard work. He has been an important figure in the Northern Districts team, contributing to their success in domestic competitions. Devcich has also been regarded as a team player and a positive influence in the dressing room.
As of his career, Anton Devcich faces the challenge of regaining a place in the New Zealand national team. With his talent and determination, there is no doubt that he has the potential to make a strong comeback and carve out a successful international career.