Greg Todd will play his domestic cricket in Auckland during the 2010-11 season.
Todd moved to Otago at the start of the 2004-05 season and has manufactured an impressive record during his time in the blue and gold. In six seasons with Otago Todd played 45 First Class games scoring 2774 runs with four centuries and an average of 40.2, 52 one-day fixtures for 1238 runs at 30.19 and 17 Twenty20 matches for 341 runs at 28.41.
Highlights of Greg’s career with Otago include centuries in both innings of a First Class game against Wellington at the Basin and a crucial 38 in the win against Auckland in the State Shield final in 2008. Greg was also a member of the Otago squad that travelled to the inaugural Champions League in India.
Todd said “I have thoroughly enjoyed my six years at Otago and I have plenty of people to thank for my time down there. All of the Otago Cricket staff and coaches and of course players I have played with. There are memories I will have for a lifetime and leave Otago with no regrets. But life moves on and I'm really looking forward to my next challenge at Auckland to further my game.”
Todd is a useful option as a part time bowler and it was during his time at the bowling crease at the University Oval that he was involved in one of the more dramatic incidents you would see on a cricket field. While bowling to Shannon Stewart in a one day match Todd fell awkwardly trying to field the ball off his own bowling, snapping his ankle and breaking his leg in several places. The scenes that followed with Greg lying on the ground waiting for an ambulance will not be forgotten by anyone who was at the ground that day.
The fact that Greg recovered from that horrific injury in time for the following season is an indication of the grit and character that he has become known for during his time with Otago.
Otago Volts Coach Mike Hesson said “Greg has been an excellent servant of Otago Cricket during the past six years and has been an important part in the sides successes. When Greg arrived in Otago his previous First Class experience had been as a bowler who batted, through hard work and skill Greg has turned himself into a quality First Class batsman with an excellent record for Otago. We are disappointed to lose Greg but as one door closes further opportunities open up for others. I wish Greg all the best with his future cricket career.”
Otago Cricket CEO Ross Dykes added “Greg Todd has made a significant contribution to Otago Cricket. He was one of a group of talented players who moved to Otago with the intention of gaining National recognition. Under the astute direction of Mike Hesson this group assisted in moving Otago from the bottom of the ladder to being, arguably, the best side in the country at the short game. He has knocked on the door of National selection and proved that he is capable of big scores.
Greg will be a loss to Otago, but we wish him every success in his new province and sincerely appreciate the significant contribution he has made.”
Greg or “Toddy” as he has been affectionately known as has been a big part of Otago Cricket on and off the field and will be sorely missed.
