Earlier this week, Anaru Kitchen announced via social media his retirement from Domestic Cricket at the completion of the 2021-22 season.

Kitchen has been a regular performer in NZ domestic cricket since 2008, having represented the Otago Volts in 160+ fixtures across formats, and previously the Auckland Aces in 170+ fixtures.

He has amassed over 10,000 runs in all domestic cricket, taken 130+ wickets and represented the Blackcaps on five occasions. Anaru reminisced on his beginnings in Cricket earlier this week.

“Cricket started for me the same as it does for most New Zealand kids, with plenty of backyard cricket and beach cricket on family holidays,” said Kitchen.

 “Once I got a hold of the game, I remember the old man making me bat with a stump instead of a bat which was a good challenge” Kitchen recalled.

Those backyard matches held Kitchen in good stead as he rose through the cricketing ranks - initially at Auckland Grammar School, followed by Waitakere Cricket Club, and then later Auckland ‘A’.

In December 2008, Kitchen announced his arrival on the domestic scene with a half-century on debut for Auckland against Canterbury in the State Shield. Playing against the likes of Shane Bond and Chris Harris on Eden Park #1, Kitchen remembers the match well.

“I was batting four or five walking out to bat, when Auckland captain Richard Jones walked past me and said, ‘It is hooping out there mate, good luck’,’’ Kitchen recollected.

‘I thought to myself, this is Shane Bond, one of New Zealand’s best fast bowlers… let’s see how this goes.”

“I was lucky to bat with now great mate, Reece Young, who guided me through the innings, and from there I managed to top score with 69 runs”.

His success with Auckland continued, being a part of their Plunket Shield winning side in 2008-09, winning the Ford Trophy in 2010-11 & 2012-13, and the Super Smash in 2010-11 & 2011-12.

Kitchen has been an integral member of the Otago Volts since the beginning of the 2015-16 season. He continued his run of impressive debuts with a quick-fire 47 runs off 33 balls and a wicket against Central Districts in the Super Smash.

Across all formats, he has amassed just short of 5,000 runs and taken over 100 wickets for Otago. He has scored 23 half-centuries and 10 centuries for Otago including a record 207 runs in Dunedin in the 2016-17 Plunket Shield.

In his own words, the shift South was an opportunity to revitalise his career and push for national honours.

In December 2017, Kitchen realised his life goal of representing his country, being named in the Blackcaps Twenty20 side to play the West Indies.

Kitchen gave credit to several influences in cricket for helping support his career.

“Reece Young, Richard Jones, Gareth Hopkins and Rob Walter are mentors that have given me all the advice and guidance I could ask for,” said Kitchen.

“I have also had brilliant support from the players and staff at Otago Cricket, who welcomed me with open arms and gave me a home.”

Otago Cricket CEO, Mike Coggan, reflected on Kitchen’s time with Otago Cricket.

“It was a pleasure to have Anaru at Otago. He was an important signing back in 2015/16, a great team man and a consistent performer with bat and ball ever since his arrival from Auckland,” said Coggan.

“I will not forget the memorable double century Anaz (Anaru) scored at home versus ND back in 2017. At his best, he was one the cleanest strikers of a cricket ball in domestic cricket. Otago Cricket wish Anaru all the very best in retirement.”

“Anaru is a great man and has had a significant impact as a player during his time in Otago. He’s a natural talent, the type of player that coaches get excited about working with,” said Forde.

“It was a genuine pleasure to watch Anaru make his debut for the Blackcaps, and contribute across all three formats for the Volts.”

Anaru will now take a break from the game to spend time with his two boys and partner, before returning to work as an electrician for Aotea Electric.

*ENDS*

Article added: Thursday 24 February 2022