WTC Final: BJ Watling Leads Kiwis To The Field On Final Day

New Zealand wicketkeeper-batsman BJ Watling led his team out on the field on the last day of the World Test Championship between India and New Zealand in Southampton. He will retire from international cricket after this Test match. Watling has been one of the best keeper-batsman for the Kiwis especially in the Test format. He was the 244th Test player for the Kiwis who will retire with 75 Tests to his name.

BJ Watling played the first Test match between England and New Zealand, which was his 74th Test match. He scored a total of 16 runs in the Test match which ended in a draw. He was rested for the second to be available for the World Test Championship Final.

BJ Watling Leads Kiwis Out On The Field on Day 6 Of WTC Final

The very proud wearer of Test cap #244 leads the team out on the final day of his Test career. Thank you @<!---->B<!---->_<!---->J<!---->w<!---->a<!---->t<!---->l<!---->i<!---->n<!---->g #<!---->W<!---->T<!---->C<!---->2<!---->1 p<!---->i<!---->c<!---->.<!---->t<!---->w<!---->i<!---->t<!---->t<!---->e<!---->r<!---->.<!---->c<!---->o<!---->m<!---->/<!---->t<!---->6<!---->S<!---->T<!---->i<!---->T<!---->w<!---->Q<!---->8<!---->P

— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) J<!---->u<!---->n<!---->e<!----> <!---->2<!---->3<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1

Batting in the first innings, Watling was dismissed by Mohammed Shami for just one. He took two catches in the Indian first innings. He also took Virat Kohli’s catch to give the Kiwis their first wicket on the final day.

Watling made his Test debut way back in 2009. Since then he has been a gutsy cricket for the Kiwis scoring important runs for his team in the toughest of situations and conditions. He is fondly known as the crisis man of the New Zealand team for his ability to play match-winning knocks at important moments for his team.

BJ Watling has scored nearly 3800 runs at an average of 37.52 and strike-rate of 42.61. He has eight tons and 19 fifties to his name. He has a double ton against England which he scored in a winning cause at Mount Maunganui in 2019.

Apart from playing 75 Tests for New Zealand, Watling has also played 28 ODIs and five T20Is. However, he produced his very best in the l0ngest format.

Meanwhile, New Zealand have started on the front foot on the final day in the WTC final. Kyle Jamieson after taking five wickets in the first innings, removed Kohli and Pujara in quick succession on Day 6.

Also Read: WTC Final 2021: Brad Hogg Credits Virat Kohli For Not Sending A Nightwatchman