From the Cricket Pitch to the Couch: The Unlikely Journey of John Aiken
It's not every day that a former cricketer becomes a household name, let alone a reality TV star. But that's precisely the story of John Aiken, the relationship expert from Married at First Sight Australia (MAFS).
Recently, Aiken found himself in a Brisbane hotel courtyard, unexpectedly recognized by two former England spinners, Phil Tufnell and Alex Hartley. They were starstruck, asking for a video and a selfie. Now, that's pretty standard stuff when you're one of the most recognizable TV personalities in the country, but here's the twist: neither of them knew they were talking to a former first-class cricketer!
Aiken, a left-handed opening batter, had an impressive 11-year career on the New Zealand domestic scene from 1990 to 2001. He even has a Wikipedia page titled "John Aiken (cricketer)." He reminisces about his cricketing days, staying in touch with fellow players like Mark Richardson, Chris Cairns, and Chris Harris. But now, they see him as the MAFS guy, not the Wellington left-hander.
Now at 55, Aiken's post-cricket career has made him a star. He was even approached by a fan in a "pink Hawaiian shirt" at a cricket match, eager to discuss the upcoming 13th series of Married at First Sight.
Aiken's journey began in Sydney before moving to New Zealand at 12. He played alongside future stars like Cairns, Harris, and Adam Parore in a New Zealand Under-19s team that toured England. He even played at Lord's. He remembers the dominance of Nick Knight, who "put us to the sword every single time we faced him."
Six months later, Aiken made his first-class debut for Wellington, scoring 156 not out. He admits he was more conservative than modern players like Ben Duckett. He attributes this to over-analyzing everything, even shadow batting in front of the mirror.
But here's where it gets controversial...Aiken balanced his cricket career with a master's degree in clinical and community psychology. Although he graduated at 25, his initial dream was to play for New Zealand. He came close, but never quite made it.
He played alongside New Zealand legends like Martin Crowe and Stephen Fleming. He faced off against Daniel Vettori, who, according to Aiken, "landed it on a handkerchief." He even got run out by Jonty Rhodes, considered one of the best fielders ever.
When he moved to Auckland, Aiken faced a West Indies team that included Brian Lara. He recalls a pre-match meeting where they agreed to be polite to Lara. But Lara still managed to hit their opening bowler out of the ground twice before getting out. Another opponent was a young Brendon McCullum, now a MAFS watcher, thanks to his Australian wife. Aiken knew that "anyone from Otago, you've got to roll your sleeves up because they're going to come hard at you."
By 30, Aiken realized his international cricket dream was fading. After playing club cricket in the UK, he retired. He ended his career with four hundreds in 46 first-class matches, averaging just under 29. Seven years later, he returned to Australia, started his own practice, and, in 2014, received an email that changed his life. He was invited to audition for Married at First Sight and got the role.
Married at First Sight is a global phenomenon. The show's appeal lies not only in whether strangers can find love, but also in the dramatic interactions of the 12 different couples.
Aiken guides the couples, holding them accountable. He's a far cry from the over-analyzing opening batter. He says he's much more relaxed in the world of media than he was playing cricket. He now prefers the excitement of MAFS over the anxiety of opening the batting.
And this is the part most people miss...Aiken wouldn't trade his place on the MAFS couch for a coveted New Zealand black cap. He finds joy in the show and believes that "strangers can fall in love."
What do you think? Do you find Aiken's transition from cricket to reality TV as fascinating as we do? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
