New Zealand’s star all-rounder Jimmy Neesham has paid a heartfelt tribute to his high school coach, who died during the Super Over of the thrilling ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 final.
David James Gordon used to coach Neesham, Lockie Ferguson and many other high school students during his 25-years career as a teacher and cricket and hockey coach.
Despite being very ill, he managed to hang on to watch his beloved Black Caps reach the World Cup final.
It was amid the match’s dramatic final minutes as New Zealand and England battled to break the deadlock in the Super Over that Gordon took his last breath surrounded by family.
Gordon’s daughter Leonie said the moment Neesham hit a six on the second ball in the Super Over, her father stopped breathing. “One of the nurses came in for the final over, the super over, and she said his breathing is changing,” Leonie was quoted as saying by stuff.co.nz.
“You know, I think Jimmy Neesham had just hit that six and he took his last breath.
“He has a quirky sense of humour and he was a real character and he would have loved the fact that he did that,” she added.
Neesham, on Wednesday, took to Twitter and posted a tribute to the influence his former Auckland Grammar teacher and coach had on his game.
“Dave Gordon, my High School teacher, coach and friend. Your love of this game was infectious, especially for those of us lucky enough to play under you. How appropriate you held on until just after such a match. Hope you were proud. Thanks for everything. RIP,” Neesham tweeted.
Dave Gordon, my High School teacher, coach and friend. Your love of this game was infectious, especially for those of us lucky enough to play under you. How appropriate you held on until just after such a match. Hope you were proud. Thanks for everything. RIP
— Jimmy Neesham (@JimmyNeesh) July 17, 2019
