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The ongoing ICC World Test Championship (WTC) cycle has been a mixed bag for New Zealand, showcasing both notable achievements and disappointing setbacks. While the Black Caps displayed glimpses of promise, they fell short of establishing themselves as a formidable force against their rivals. Currently, they sit in 4th place on the WTC table with an even record of 7 wins and 7 losses, trailing behind India.
Memorable moments for New Zealand in the current WTC cycle
Despite the inconsistencies, New Zealand carved out some memorable moments in red-ball cricket during this cycle. A historic series victory in India saw them achieve a rare feat, handing India a series whitewash on home soil for the first time since 2000. Additionally, the Blackcaps secured a landmark 2-0 series win against table-toppers South Africa at home, underlining their potential on the international stage.
However, their campaign was overshadowed by significant disappointments. The recent series loss to England dealt a major blow to their future prospects, exposing their vulnerabilities. Earlier in the cycle, New Zealand suffered crushing series whitewashes at the hands of Australia and Sri Lanka, further highlighting their struggle to maintain consistency in the longest format of the game.
Amidst a number of standout Test wins for the New Zealand team in the current WTC cycle here are 5 kiwi players who have impressed fans and analysts alike with the ball.
Also Read: Twitter reactions: Rachin Ravindra and Mark Chapman power New Zealand to a 2-0 series lead over Sri Lanka in the ODIs
5 highest wicket-takers for New Zealand in the current WTC cycle
- Matt Henry: The Blackcaps pace sensation
Henry has emerged as the leader of the New Zealand pace attack in the current WTC cycle. The 33-year-old has bagged a total of 48 wickets in 18 innings during the current WTC cycle. This makes him the leading wicket-taker for New Zealand in the WTC cycle 2023-25. The most memorable bowling figure from Henry was the 7/67 career-best figure which the pacer achieved against Australia in Christchurch. With a few more years of competitive level cricket left in him, Henry is expected to perform even better for the Blackcaps in Test cricket in the near future.
- Ajaz Patel: A spin wizard
The left-arm spinner was the finding of the current WTC cycle for New Zealand and clinched a total of 37 wickets for New Zealand. Patel became the key difference maker in New Zealand’s series triumph in India where he took a total of 15 wickets in 3 Test matches. The wicket-talking ability of the 36-year-old has proven detrimental on slow tracks, particularly suiting sub-continent conditions.
- Will O’Rourke: The future of New Zealand pace attack
The youngster became a constant support for Henry on the other side of the place attack for New Zealand and managed to take a total of 36 wickets in 18 innings for the Blackcaps. The 23-year-old with his pace and bounce has emerged as a major bone of contention for batters in Test cricket and has performed consistently for New Zealand in the longest format of the game.
- Mitchell Santner: A multi-talented star
The importance of a seasoned all-rounder is immense in Test cricket. Particularly in bowling, an ideal all-rounder can become a handy alternative for the team and provide some important rest to traditional bowlers in between long spells. In the New Zealand side, Santner has managed to do just that, emerging as a crucial slow alternative for the Blackcaps. The 32-year-old took 33 wickets for his side in the current WTC cycle and cemented his place as the ideal all-rounder in red-ball cricket.
- Glenn Phillips: Smooth transition to a new role in the team
Phillips is known in the cricketing community for his hard-hitting abilities with the bat. However, in the current WTC cycle, Phillips has transitioned to a more temperamental all-rounder who can not only bat but also take crucial wickets and break important partnerships of the opposition. With 31 wickets in the current WTC cycle, Phillips has transitioned in Test cricket for the Blackcaps and is expected to become a more regular starter in the next cycle.
