Tony Elston Blain, a cricket player hailing from New Zealand, was a versatile right-hand batsman and an adept wicketkeeper. Although Tony had undeniable talent, his career suffered due to his recurring role as an understudy, primarily to the likes of esteemed players like Ian Smith and Adam Parore. Despite facing limited opportunities, Tony showcased his skills whenever he got the chance.
Tony Blain made his Test debut against England at The Oval in 1986, filling in for the injured Ian Smith. Although he batted valiantly, scoring 37 runs, his performance was overshadowed by an unfortunate mishap when he dropped a difficult catch from Ian Botham, a swirling skyer. Regardless, Tony persisted and later played twice against India in 1988-89. He experienced a more extended run in the Test side in 1992, participating in eight matches against Australia and joining a tour to Pakistan.
In addition to his Test career, Tony also excelled in One Day Internationals (ODIs). He represented New Zealand in 38 ODIs across two spells. His first stint began in March 1986 and lasted until December 1988, while the second took place between March 1993 and March 1994. While Tony’s contributions in ODIs were significant, his true potential often went unrecognized due to the limited opportunities he received.
Tony Blain initially played for Central Districts and found himself, once again, playing second fiddle to Ian Smith. Determined to prove his worth, Tony made a strategic move to Canterbury, where he played a pivotal role in their triumphant victory in the Shell Trophy in the 1983-84 season. However, he struggled to secure a consistent spot in the lineup and ultimately returned to Central Districts. At Central Districts, Tony initially served as a specialist batsman, filling in for Smith whenever the latter was on national duty. He eventually assumed the role of the first-choice wicketkeeper when Smith relocated to Auckland at the conclusion of the 1986-87 season.
Following his retirement from competitive cricket, Tony Blain delved into coaching and commentating. His experience and knowledge of the game allowed him to share his insights with aspiring cricketers and fans alike. Tony’s dedication to the sport extended beyond his playing days, and he continued to contribute to the game in different capacities.
Tony Elston Blain’s career may have been marked by the challenges of being an understudy to prominent players, but he remained persistent and determined throughout. His contributions on and off the field left an indelible mark on New Zealand cricket. Tony’s ability as a batsman and his skills behind the stumps solidified his place as a respected figure in the cricketing community.
