Wisden overview
International recognition might well have passed Robbie Hart by. A steely competitor, and captain of Northern Districts since 2000-01, Hart's ambitions were stymied by the ever-present Adam Parore, New Zealand's regular wicketkeeper since 1990. Not that Hart let this get him down – instead he channelled his energies into his provincial side, moulding an impressive squad that included the likes of Lou Vincent and Scott Styris. A lawyer in the off-season, specialising in commercial law, Hart attributes his mental toughness to his year-round competitive environment. His wicketkeeping skills have never been in doubt – he holds Northern Districts' one-day record for dismissals in a season – and when Parore announced his premature retirement in March 2002, Hart was a readymade replacement, and earned a call-up for New Zealand's tour of Pakistan. He immediately showed his worth with solid performances with the gloves and some vital defensive innings with the bat. Andrew Miller

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