WTC Triumph Is The Greatest Achievement Of My Coaching Career: New Zealand Bowling Coach Shane Jurgensen

New Zealand bowling coach Shane Jurgensen has termed the World Test Championship triumph by the Kane Williamson-led BlackCaps as the greatest achievement of his coaching career.

New Zealand were crowned the undisputed champions of Test cricket last week after they beat the Virat Kohli-led Team India by a comprehensive margin of eight wickets on the sixth and final day of the World Test Championship final at the Hampshire Bowl in Southampton.

On the final day, New Zealand seamers knocked over India for 170 in their second innings before the experienced duo of skipper Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor took them past the target of 138.

This was New Zealand’s first ICC title in 21 years. The island nation had last won an ICC event- Knockout [Champions Trophy]- way back in 2000 when they defeated in the final in Nairobi.

“I think for me this is about, for all of New Zealand really, from people that have always gone to (put) the extra effort from New Zealand Cricket’s staff, board, sponsors, the caterers at the ground we play at, the curators at all the grounds, the physios, the domestic coaches and the CEOs – everyone has had an input into this somewhere and a valuable contribution and it really means a lot to us now,” Shane Jurgensen was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.

 

I’ve cried a few times – probably every day since the win’- Shane Jurgensen on New Zealand’s WTC triumph

Jurgensen, who has previously coached teams like Bangladesh, Fiji, Scotland, said that he was still having tears of joy after watching the sixth day’s play again and again during his managed isolation after returning from the UK.

The bowling coach reckoned that the double strikes by Kyle Jamieson in the form of Virat Kohli and Cheteshwar Pujara on the sixth morning set the platform for a famous triumph for New Zealand.

“I think, at times, I’ve been really emotional in my room, and also for me personally my wife because she puts up with me being away a lot. For me, personally, this is my greatest coaching achievement,” “I’ve seen a few highlights. I’ve sort of been reading a lot and watching a bit on YouTube, so looking at it from all different angles,” he said.

“But for me what is different this time is the reflection on me personally and also you know for me in my area – the bowling unit what they have achieved. I think the morning of the last day to be able to make the vital breakthroughs with Kyle (Jamieson) and Tim (Southee) and Trent (Boult). It was a fantastic effort to put ourselves in a position to chase a reasonably low total,” said Jurgensen.

“Oh! I’ve cried. I’ve cried a few times – probably every day since the win. You sort of sit there and then you go: ‘Wow! World Test champions’.” he added.

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