Adam Milne is a New Zealand international cricketer whose main weapon is high-speed, right-arm fast bowling. He has represented the Black Caps in one-day internationals and Twenty20 internationals, building a reputation as one of the country's quickest bowlers. His career has combined international tournament appearances with domestic and franchise cricket, although injuries have repeatedly interrupted his progress.
Early life and career
Milne was born on 13 April 1992 in Palmerston North, New Zealand. He emerged through the Central Districts system and made his first-class debut during the 2009-10 season. His pace attracted attention while he was still a teenager, accelerating his rise into national selection discussions.
He made his Twenty20 international debut against Pakistan in December 2010. His one-day international debut followed against Sri Lanka in November 2012. From the outset, his ability to bowl at speeds exceeding 150 kilometres per hour distinguished him from many other young New Zealand seamers.
International career
Milne was part of New Zealand's squad at the 2015 Cricket World Cup, jointly hosted by New Zealand and Australia. He played during the team's run to the knockout stages but was ruled out with a heel injury before the semifinal. Matt Henry replaced him in the squad, and New Zealand went on to reach its first men's World Cup final.
He also appeared at the 2021 Men's T20 World Cup, joining New Zealand's squad as an injury replacement for Lockie Ferguson. New Zealand again reached the final, finishing runner-up to Australia.
One of Milne's standout international performances came against Sri Lanka in Dunedin in April 2023. He took five wickets for 26 runs in a T20 international, helping New Zealand secure a nine-wicket victory.
Franchise cricket and playing style
Milne's franchise teams have included Royal Challengers Bangalore, Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League. He has also played for Kent in English county cricket and Birmingham Phoenix in The Hundred.
His bowling centres on pace, bounce and the ability to hurry batters. Fitness and workload management have remained important factors in his availability throughout his career.
