Neil Wagner has made it a habit of bowling more impactful spells for the New Zealand cricket team. The left-arm paceman carved out a reputation for himself as one of the most productive pacers in international cricket.
Even at the age of 36, he has been really impressive as a pacer and has showcased his ability to take crucial wickets when it really mattered the most in the longest format of the game.
Having represented the New Zealand cricket team in 62 Tests, he has taken as many as 258 wickets to his name at a bowling average of 27.1. It is worth mentioning that he has bagged 13 four-wicket hauls and 9 fifers.
He has bowled many match-winning spells for the team. Now, in this article, let’s take a glimpse of Neil Wagner showcasing his bowling masterclass to help the team win a Test for New Zealand.
1. 5/181 against England
New Zealand were skittled out for 209 in reply to England’s 435/8 (declared) in the first innings in Wellington in 2023. While the Kiwis were asked to follow on, they responded with 489 runs, setting up a target of 258 for the visitors.
Neil Wagner who took two wickets in the first innings produced a bowling masterclass in the second innings as he registered 3/38 in the final session on the fifth day to guide the team home.
When England required two runs to win the game with one wicket remaining, Neil Wagner dismissed James Anderson to help New Zealand secure a 1-run thriller win.
2. 8/134 against England
Neil Wagner has bowled top-notch bowling spells against the England cricket team in his cricketing career. He chipped in with a valuable 8/134 against England that helped New Zealand beat England.
During the 2019-20 tour at the Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui, Neil Wagner picked up 3 wickets in the first innings. England posted 353 in the first innings whereas New Zealand responded with 615-9 (declared).
England were trailing by 262 runs in the Test match. The Three Lions were bowled out for 197 runs as New Zealand won by an innings and 65 runs. Neil Wagner was the pick of the bowlers as he took 5/44.
