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After a stellar 64-Test career, New Zealand‘s prolific fast bowler, Neil Wagner, formally announced his retirement form the internatoinal cricket leaving an indelible mark on the Blackcaps’ historic journey.
Crucial role in New Zealand’s Test triumph
Wagner played a pivotal role in propelling New Zealand to the zenith of Test cricket, contributing significantly to their climb to the No.1 position. His left-arm pace and tenacity became a cornerstone of the Blackcaps’ success.
Statistical brilliance: A legacy in numbers
At the age of 37, Wagner left as the fifth-highest wicket-taker in New Zealand Test history, boasting an impressive record of 260 wickets at an average of 27.57 and a stellar strike rate of 52.7. His lion-hearted performances and consistency made him an integral part of the Blackcaps’ formidable bowling attack. Speaking to ESPNcricinfo, he further reflected on his top 5 best moments, encapsulating the essence of his illustrious 12-year career.
Also READ: NZ vs AUS: Fans in despair as New Zealand pacer Neil Wagner bids farewell to the international cricket
Neil Wagner shares the top 5 moments that define his Test cricket career:
1. Auckland Test against India in 2014
In the Auckland Test against India in 2014, Wagner played a pivotal role in New Zealand’s historic victory by delivering a standout bowling performance. New Zealand, batting first, posted a competitive total of 503 runs, with Kane Williamson‘s century and Brendon McCullum‘s double ton being a highlight. However, it was Wagner’s prowess with the ball that significantly contributed to their dominance. In the first innings, Wagner exhibited his ability to break partnerships and create pressure by claiming a crucial 4-wicket haul, restricting India to 202 in response.
The match took a turn when New Zealand, despite their solid first-innings performance, faced a challenging situation in the second innings, getting bowled out for 105. With India set a target of 407 runs, Wagner’s role became even more critical. Known for his relentless approach, Wagner once again showcased his skill and determination by securing another impactful 4-wicket haul in India’s second innings. His ability to consistently take wickets at crucial junctures played a pivotal role in dismantling the Indian batting order.
As the match reached a decisive moment, Wagner’s heroics proved crucial in denying India a successful chase. Despite India’s valiant effort, they fell 40 runs short, succumbing to Wagner’s relentless bowling attack. Wagner’s match figures of 8 wickets for the Test match were a testament to his impact, and his contributions were instrumental in New Zealand’s triumph. This Test victory highlighted Wagner’s significance as one of the key bowlers for the Blackcaps, showcasing his lion-hearted approach and pivotal role in crucial moments.
2. New Zealand’s historic Test Series Win in the West Indies in 2014
In 2014, New Zealand secured a historic Test series victory against the West Indies, with Wagner playing a crucial role in the decisive third Test held in Barbados. The series kicked off with a commanding win for New Zealand in Jamaica, claiming a triumph by 186 runs. Nevertheless, the West Indies fought back strongly, securing a 10-wicket win in the second Test in Trinidad.
The pivotal moment came in the third Test, where Wagner, initially left out in the first two matches, made a significant impact. New Zealand posted 293 runs in their first innings, and despite the West Indies reaching 197/2, Wagner’s remarkable four-wicket spell triggered a collapse, restricting the hosts to 317. In the second innings, New Zealand declared at 331/7, setting a target of 307.
Wagner chipped in with a wicket as the West Indies fell short by 53 runs, securing New Zealand’s historic series win. This achievement marked the first time New Zealand had won a Test series on West Indian soil, and Wagner’s contributions in the decider played a crucial part in this landmark victory.
3. 2018 Christchurch Test against England
In the context of the 2018 Test series against England, Wagner’s batting heroics in the second Test at Christchurch played a crucial role in New Zealand’s efforts to secure a draw. After comfortably winning the first Test, England came back strongly in the second Test, setting a challenging target of 381 for New Zealand.
Facing the daunting target, New Zealand found themselves in a precarious situation in the second innings, needing to bat out time to avoid defeat. Wagner, known for his tenacity, emerged as a key figure during this critical phase of the match. Teaming up with Ish Sodhi (56 off 168 balls) and Tom Latham (83 off 207), Wagner’s contribution became instrumental in ensuring the safe escape of the home side.
Wagner’s innings, spanning 107 minutes and facing 103 balls, exemplified defensive resilience and patience. While his individual score of 7 runs might appear modest, the impact went beyond the numerical value. His determined defense frustrated the English bowlers, consumed valuable time, and played a pivotal role in securing the draw for New Zealand.
4. New Zealand’s WTC 2021 final victory over India
Wagner played a crucial role in New Zealand’s historic victory in the World Test Championship (WTC) 2021 final against India. In the much-anticipated clash at The Rose Bowl in Southampton, Wagner’s performance added significant value to the Kiwi bowling attack. In the first innings, Wagner bowled 15 overs and conceded 40 runs, showcasing his accuracy and control. His economical bowling played a part in building pressure on the Indian batters which resulted in the form of key wickets Shubman Gill and Ajinkya Rahane.
Nonetheless, it was in the second innings that Wagner truly left his mark. Bowling with determination and skill, he bowled with full passion and aggression that proved instrumental in restricting India’s total. He ended the second essay with the prized wickets of Ravindra Jadeja as Wagner’s ability to extract bounce and create difficulties for the batters, especially in the crucial moments of the game, played a pivotal role in New Zealand’s success. His disciplined bowling contributed to India being bowled out for 170 runs, setting up the opportunity for New Zealand to chase down the target with eight wickets in hand and secure the historic WTC title.
5. Basin Reserve Test against England
In a high-stakes Test match at Wellington’s Basin Reserve, Wagner’s exceptional bowling performance played a pivotal role in securing a thrilling 1-1 series draw for New Zealand against England. Chasing 258 for victory on the final day, England found themselves struggling at 80/5, facing a daunting task.
However, a resilient sixth-wicket partnership of 121 runs between Joe Root and Ben Stokes revived England’s hopes. Despite their efforts, Wagner’s relentless bowling made a significant impact for the hosts. He picked up key wickets, dismissing Ollie Pope, Root and Ben Stokes.
The seamer’s crucial contribution extended to claiming the vital final wicket of James Anderson, preventing the last man in for England from becoming an unlikely batting hero. The match concluded with New Zealand securing the win by the barest of margins, ensuring the series finished in an exciting 1-1 draw. Wagner’s skillful bowling under pressure cemented his role as a match-winner for the Blackcaps.
