Sporting legends - Neil Wagner- The fiery Kiwi left arm quick - Career HLs , video

 


Neil Wagner was born on March 13, 1986, in Pretoria, South Africa. He later moved to New Zealand and became one of their most successful and aggressive fast bowlers. Wagner is known for his relentless short-pitched bowling, high stamina, and ability to extract bounce and movement even on unresponsive pitches. His tenacity and aggressive bowling have made him a crucial part of New Zealand’s Test team.

Style of Play

Wagner is a left-arm fast bowler who relies heavily on short-pitched deliveries and sustained aggression. He bowls at a high intensity and is particularly known for his ability to bowl long, tireless spells. Unlike traditional fast bowlers who seek swing or seam movement, Wagner specializes in bodyline bowling tactics, often targeting batsmen with a barrage of short-pitched deliveries to induce mistakes.

International Career Records

Test Cricket
  • Matches: 64
  • Wickets: 260
  • Bowling Average: 27.57
  • Best Bowling in an Innings: 7/39
  • Best Bowling in a Match: 9/73
  • Five-wicket hauls: 9
  • Catches: 25
  • Runs  875
  • Batting average  14.58
  • HS  66*

First-Class Record
  • Matches: 150 plus
  • Wickets: Over 700
  • Bowling Average: ~26
  • Best Bowling in an Innings: 7/39
  • Best Bowling in a Match: 10-wicket hauls on multiple occasions


Career Highlights

  • Crucial role in New Zealand’s rise to Test dominance in the late 2010s and early 2020s.
  • Played a key part in New Zealand’s 2021 ICC World Test Championship (WTC) victory, dismissing crucial Indian batsmen in the final.
  • Took 5/45 against India in 2020, dismissing top-order batsmen with relentless short-pitched bowling.
  • Became the second-fastest New Zealand bowler to reach 200 Test wickets in 2020.
  • Took 9 wickets against Pakistan in 2016, helping New Zealand secure a Test series win.
  • Destroyed Australia’s batting lineup in 2019 with sustained bouncers, taking 9 wickets in a Test match.

Major Bowling Performances

  • 7/39 vs. West Indies (2017) – One of his finest performances, using bounce and accuracy to dismantle the opposition.
  • 6/41 vs. Bangladesh (2019) – A match-winning spell in New Zealand conditions.
  • 5/45 vs. India (2020) – Key in New Zealand’s dominant Test win against India.
  • 4/66 & 3/18 in the WTC Final vs. India (2021) – Played a pivotal role in New Zealand’s historic victory.

Legacy

  • Considered one of New Zealand’s greatest Test fast bowlers, known for his never-give-up attitude.
  • Pioneered the use of sustained short-pitched bowling as a primary attack strategy in modern Test cricket.
  • A key player in New Zealand’s golden era of Test cricket, including their World Test Championship win in 2021.
  • Inspired younger bowlers with his commitment, fitness, and aggressive mindset despite lacking express pace.
  • Wagner’s unique style has added a new dimension to Test fast bowling, making him one of the most feared and respected bowlers of his time.

Neil Wagner remains a legend of New Zealand cricket, known for his heart, determination, and relentless aggression, making him one of the finest fast bowlers in the world.

Watch Wagner's brilliant 5 wicket haul vs England in a test match. 

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