'Unique' Wagner an artist at work, says New Zealand coach

Image
AFP Hamilton
Last Updated : Dec 13 2017 | 9:55 AM IST
New Zealand coach Mike Hesson heaped special praise today on Neil Wagner, whose bouncing barrage wreaked havoc in the West Indies ranks to set up a Test series sweep.
Wagner took 14 wickets at 18.28 in the two Tests as he tormented the West Indies with his short deliveries angling into the body.
"No matter where in the world he bowls he can create some indecision. It's quite a unique skill. It's very hard to prepare for," Hesson said.
Wagner took nine wickets in New Zealand's innings win in the first Test at Wellington, including a career best seven for 39 in the West Indies first knock.
He bagged another five in the second Test at Hamilton, which wound up on day four on Tuesday with New Zealand winning by 240 runs.
Once new-ball pair Trent Boult and Tim Southee accounted for the top order on the final day of the second Test, Wagner worked over the middle.
In a 10-ball burst he took out Shai Hope and Shane Dowrich and ended Sunil Ambris' tour with a broken arm.
When Roston Chase tried to rebuild the innings and reached 64, Wagner came back to remove the stubborn batsman.
"He bowls a lot of balls between the chest and throat," Hesson said.
"A lot of guys can stand up and play it but if you stand up and play it and it bounces a little bit more you get drawn into playing a ball that perhaps you shouldn't.
"That's a skill that not many people around the world have. Some guys can do it for maybe a couple of overs ... For Neil, it's probably a more natural length than others and he can sustain it for 7-8-9-10 over spells."
New Zealand now move onto a series of limited overs matches and do not play another Test until England arrive in March.

Disclaimer: No Business Standard Journalist was involved in creation of this content

*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times

Smart Quarterly

₹900

3 Months

₹300/Month

SAVE 25%

Smart Essential

₹2,700

1 Year

₹225/Month

SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months

Super Saver

₹3,900

2 Years

₹162/Month

Subscribe

Renews automatically, cancel anytime

Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans

Exclusive premium stories online

  • Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors

Complimentary Access to The New York Times

  • News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic

Business Standard Epaper

  • Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share

Curated Newsletters

  • Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox

Market Analysis & Investment Insights

  • In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor

Archives

  • Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997

Ad-free Reading

  • Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements

Seamless Access Across All Devices

  • Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app

More From This Section

First Published: Dec 13 2017 | 9:55 AM IST

Next Story