ICC WTC final: “It is like a World Cup final for me” says New Zealand pacer Neil Wagner on WTC final
The pacer has been in superb form and is a vital cog in New Zealand team.
New Zealand left arm pacer Neil Wagner, in conversation with ESPNcircinfo stated that World Test Championship (WTC) final means like a World Cup for him. The outstanding bowler also shared his views on BJ Watling’s retirement. New Zealand and India will play the inaugural WTC final in England from 18 to 22 June.
Excerpts from the conversation –
Wagner said its like a World Cup for him as he didn’t play white-ball format.
“Yeah, it is like a World Cup final for me. The biggest disappointment, I guess, in my career is that I’ve never really played a white-ball game for New Zealand or never been able to crack into the T20 or the one-day game. That ship has probably sailed now and I don’t think the opportunity will ever come. For me now, it’s about putting all my focus and energy into Test cricket and to be able to play in a World Test Championship final is like a World Cup for me.” Wagner said.
Wagner explained that even though its exciting, he doesn’t want the occasion to get to him.
“I know this final is the first and there isn’t a lot of history around it, but it’s the start of something that’s pretty big. To play in a one-off Test final against India – one of the best teams in the world, if not the best team in the world – to be able to test yourself against the best on the highest and biggest stage, that’s what it’s about. It’s extremely exciting, but I don’t want to think too far ahead. Don’t want to let the occasion get to you, just treat it like another Test match and do the same things you do. It’s definitely going to be a special occasion. That’s for sure.” he added.
Wagner debuted for New Zealand in July 2012 versus West Indies at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium. The South African born pacer has so far accumulated 219 wickets in 51 Test with an average of little over 26.
New Zealand wicket-keeper batsman BJ Watling announced his retirement after the England tour on May 12. He debuted in 2009. Wagner described his relation with BJ Watling. Wagner revealed that Watling has always been there for me, whether for plans or ideas.
“He’s a top man and will be sorely missed in this team. He’s the glue and the gel of the team and has been around for a long time now. I’ve always appreciated his honesty. He’s one of the guys who puts me back in line if need be, but will also encourage you and pick you up on the tough days.”
“He’s always been there for me, whether for plans or ideas. No matter how tired he is, he will sprint from the keeping side, run all the way to your mark to have a chat with you with a couple of plans. He’s been a class performer for this team and he’s always seen to be the guy that has done the nitty-gritty sort of stuff well and encourages people like myself and everyone around the team.” Wagner concluded.
New Zealand will play two tests against England from June 2 followed by the ICC World Test Championship Final against India from June 18, both to be played in England.