Neil Wagner angry on team New Zealand? Tim Southee breaks silence on pacer's inappropriate gestures

New Zealand pacer Neil Wagner, who is only seen playing Test cricket for the Blackcaps, is always seen pumped up and showcases aggression whenever he picks up a wicket. Recently Wagner garnered headlines due to his shush and middle finger gestures during the second NZ vs SA Test match which was played in Hamilton. New Zealand achieved a seven-wicket win and whitewashed the Proteas by 2-0.

The veteran pacer Wagner did a shush celebration by putting his finger to his lips in after dismissing batter Zubayr Hamza on day three of the Hamilton Test. He was also spotted raising his middle finger after earlier taking a catch.

New Zealand captain Tim Southee while speaking in the post-match press conference stated that Neil Wagner is a very passionate man and just tries to put his energy in the right place. Southee revealed that he didn’t know what was the gesture about but added that Wagner is a very passionate guy.

Tim Southee unaware about Neil Wagner’s dark gestures

Tim Southee said, “Obviously Neil’s a very passionate man – we all love him to bits and what he brings to the side. Just trying to channel his energy into the right place. He was probably a bit frustrated it took so long to come to the bowling crease … just making sure to channel his energy into what we needed at the time. He came on and took that wicket and that was a big part of the game as well. I don’t know what that shush was about. But we know Neil’s a very passionate guy, he wears his heart on his sleeve.”

New Zealand head coach Gary Stead was also asked about Neil Wagner’s dark gestures. Stead also stated that he didn’t know to whom were the gestures pointed but added that Wagner is a passionate guy and he has not asked him about it.

He said, “I haven’t asked Neil around it. I think he’s a passionate guy that wears his heart on his sleeve. I don’t know who it was at, or what it was for, so I can’t comment further.”

Neil Wagner wasn’t able to make his place in the first Test match played at Bay Oval but picked up a two-wicket haul in Hamilton. He is also part of the upcoming Test series against Australia.

After facing a humiliating defeat in the 1st Test, the visitors were well ahead in the second Test against New Zealand until Day 3. The Blackcaps made a brilliant comeback, and put up a decent bowling display in South Africa’s second innings. The Kiwis were set up a target of 267 runs to chase down in the second innings. The hosts were able to achieve the target with ease and also recorded their first-ever Test series win against South Africa.