Some Love It, Some Say It Looks 'Horrible' - Neil Wagner On The Reactions Of His Teammates Over His Wicket-Taking Celebration

Neil Wagner, the New Zealand pacer, speaks about his teammates’ reactions to his celebrations after taking a wicket.

Neil Wagner, an important part of the Kiwi bowling attack having taken 219 Test wickets in 51 matches, is known for his aggressive, expressive celebrations where he lets out a vehement scream with his veins bulging letting the batsman know he’s elation at taking the wicket and the viewers his passion.

However, as the pacer reveals some of his teammates aren’t too fans of his animated celebrations – in fact, even Neil Wagner himself doesn’t like it when he watches it on video. On the other hand, some people love it.

“All those celebrations, the fist pumps, the facials. I got so much stick by some of my teammates. Some say they love it, some say ‘You’re going to pop a vein and it looks horrible’.

:I do not like it. When I see it afterwards I’m like – ‘Oh my word, is that what I look like?’ I do not like the facials when I see them. I’ve had a lot of people come to me saying they like it. That makes me see the good side of it and makes me feel a little bit better,” Neil Wagner told Spark Sport.

My wife always encourages me, she loves the passion: Neil Wagner

Lana, Neil Wagner’s wife, is amongst those who love his animated celebrations. The 35-year-old speedster, known for his consistency and accuracy to bowl a barrage of short balls, says that he has had tremendous support from his wife, and she understands his grind away from the cricket field.

“Funny enough my wife always encourages me, she loves the passion, she loves what I do. Because she knows what I go through behind the scenes – the hard work which you put in. The blood, the sweat, the tears. Tough yards, away from home, away from family,” the left-arm seamer added.

Neil Wagner will be up for the challenge against the Indian batsmen when they face off in the WTC final from June 18 in Southampton; before the marquee clash, New Zealand will take on hosts England in a 2-Test series starting June 2.

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