![]() New Zealand Cricket estimate he'll be out for six weeks, needing time for his back to settle down, and his hamstring to repair itself.īut blow me down, with the match on the line and wickets falling opposite Kane Williamson, there was Neil Wagner bouncing up and down in his helmet and pads, preparing to head out for a bat. I'm not entirely convinced Neil Wagner is human.ĭuring the second innings, Wagner had to leave the field after the double whammy of a torn hamstring and a bulging disc in his back. Kane Williamson and Neil Wagner walk from the field Photo: PHOTOSPORT And this test reaffirmed all the qualities he has brought to the Black Caps over a glittering career. He may be New Zealand's greatest cricketer. And then the focus, the intensity, the relentlessness to close things out. The modesty and reluctance of the man, giving a small wave after bringing up a 27th test century before appearing to be convinced to remove his helmet and salute the crowd. The calm and assurance as the game wore on, and victory seemed so far away. The grit and determination while the going was tough. His next 71 runs came from 74 balls, pushing the pace with the aid of Daryl Mitchell (81). Sri Lanka's bowlers were on song, but couldn't find a way through the impenetrable former captain. His first 50 runs came from 120 balls, such was the difficulty early on. His faultless 121 from 194 balls saw him toil through the difficulty of a newer ball on an aging wicket, before bringing the Black Caps home. Set 285 to win, rain looked set to spoil a thrilling final day, but it only added to the tension and drama that unfolded at Hagley Oval - a two-wicket win secured on the final ball of the match. Two weeks after a mind-boggling one-run win over England at the Basin Reserve in Wellington - one of the greatest games in Test match history - New Zealand found themselves in the midst of another collosal encounter. This past fortnight has summed up the Black Caps as a team, and their players have put in some prototypical performances that sum up the careers they've had. Some how, time and again, this Black Caps team finds a way to beat the eight-count, to stand tall after suffering serious punishment, surviving to see home a victory. They may be taking repeated body blows, battered and bruised and laid out on the canvas. They may be aging, and a little out of shape. Kane Williamson makes his ground to win first test against Sri Lanka Photo: PHOTOSPORTĪnalysis - There's a bit of Rocky Balboa in this Black Caps team.
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