A conventional slow left-armer, Hedley Howarth and his excellent control and craft flight meant that for some time he was New Zealand's leading slow bowler. He was steady rather than spectacular - he only took five wickets in an innings twice, both in the subcontinent in 1969-70 - and was often used in long spells to stem the flow of runs. At Lord's in 1973, when New Zealand had a real chance of beating England, he sent down 70 overs in the second innings, finishing with 4 for 144. He preferred to have a go with the bat - with interesting results - but was a capable stonewaller when the occasion demanded.