Lea Tahuhu can’t wait for the upcoming Pakistan series to get started. Hagley Oval holds a special place in the pace bowler’s heart as a born and bred Cantab. Playing junior cricket at St Albans Cricket Club, Tahuhu loved seeing the venue expand and evolve and looks forward to seeing Ōtautahi turn it on for the summer of cricket. Avenues sat down with the record-holding WHITE FERN to chat all things cricket and Ōtautahi Christchurch.

What’s it like to be playing back on Hagley this summer?

I’ve been playing on the oval since I was eight, and while it’s looking very different today, it’s a fantastic ground and an asset to the city. What they’ve done to develop the ground and the pitch as well – it must be one of, if not THE best in the country. Rupert and his groundsmen hold that very special to their heart and produce a fantastic pitch.

When you’re playing at home, you play in front of your family and friends, and for me in particular, it’s special to be able to speak to those on the side-line and have some fun while you’re there playing. Having that personable contact is super special to the oval.

As a team this summer, the WHITE FERNS are looking to play an exciting brand of cricket. We’ve got some really big hitters, fast bowlers, and talented spinners putting pressure on teams when we’re bowling, and we’ll work a few balls over the boundary when we’re batting – if you want to be entertained, bring the family down and have a great experience.

How does it feel to be the first WHITE FERN to take 100 ODI wickets?

It’s incredibly special to be the first WHITE FERN to reach 100 ODI wickets; no one can take that away from me. Others will go on to take 200 wickets, but they’ll never be the first. I’m not a huge milestone person, but in reflection, it’s something I’m incredibly proud of, especially having to overcome a bit of adversity throughout my career, and I know my family is extremely proud as well.

As a pace bowler, I’ve had my fair share of injuries keeping me on the side-line for long stints of time. Having to mentally wrap your head around another rehab and training with no possibility of playing for several months is challenging at times. I’m really proud of being able to show that character, find the motivation and fight my way back in. For anyone who faces those trials, it’s just about continuing to turn up. If you’ve got a drive within you and believe you are enough, then never give up.

What do you like to do as a family in Christchurch?

The International cricket season means long periods of time away from home, and I miss my wife and daughter most. It’s been a big change to touring now Amy’s retired, and not having her here all the time takes some getting used to as it was very much our routine of life. Heading to training together in the morning, picking bub up from preschool, going to the park with the dog or those simple family things. They’re what you miss when you’re away on tour, and you’re in such a structured routine. All you see is the bus, the hotel, and the cricket ground, and an outsider could think it’s this exotic life you’re living, touring the country, touring around the world, but that’s not always the case. Coming home to that balanced family routine is always really special.

While cricketers don’t style themselves as foodies, we certainly eat some serious cuisine all around the world! As a team, we’re lucky the wonderful Maddy Green takes notes of all the best spots around the country and around the world, and if we end up in that city again, we head straight to our favourites. We’ve recently found the coolest Japanese restaurant here called Bar Yoku, tucked away in the back of The Welder – if you haven’t been, you gotta go!

As far as free and fun things to do, Margaret Mahy Playground is a must. It’s so much fun watching your three-year-old climbing to the top of the big slide or get stuck up the top of the tower. I’ve had to scale that a couple of times on a rescue mission. Amy is from a farm, and Grace picked up a love of animals, so we’ve got an annual pass to Orana Park and Willow Bank and get there as much as we possibly can, too.

CATCH THE WHITE FERNS AND BLACKCAPS IN ACTION OVER SUMMER AT HAGLEY OVAL!

WHITE FERNS v Pakistan 2nd ODI, Friday 15 December 2023; 3rd ODI, Monday 18 December 2023

BLACKCAPS v Pakistan 4th T20I, Friday 19 January 2024; 5th T20I, Sunday 21 January 2024

BLACKCAPS v Australia 2nd Test, Friday 8–Tuesday 12 March 2024

Buy tickets at tickets.nzc.nz

Life in balance for bowler