New Zealand vs India 2020: Neil Wagner Wants To Target 'Best Player' Of Team India

Published - 26 Feb 2020, 04:25 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 12:04 AM

Neil Wagner, India, New Zealand, New Zealand vs India 2020
Neil Wagner. (Photo by Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images)

Neil Wagner is almost certain to be back in New Zealand’s bowling attack for the second Test against India, which begins in Christchurch on Saturday. The flamboyant cricketer wants to perform well for the team by removing top players of the Indian National Cricket Team.

Wagner missed the first Test in Wellington on paternity leave, but he will return to the squad on Wednesday, replacing Matt Henry. His trademark effort and experience will be welcome for the team, as they brace themselves for a reaction from the No.1-ranked Test team in the world.

I always try and target their best players – Neil Wagner

With India being troubled by short balls from around the wicket, the 33-year-old Wagner promised that they will employ the same strategy during the second match starting Saturday.

Wagner also has his eyes on batting giant, Virat Kohli.

Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli (R) (Credits: Twitter)

Virat Kohli has endured one of his quietest tours in recent memory, with scores of 2 and 19 in the first Test in Wellington following seven limited-overs innings with only one half-century. New Zealand is determined to ensure his lean run continues into the last match of India’s tour as well

“Every team I play against I always try and target and go for their best players because you know what a big stride it makes within a team when you get their best players out,” Wagner told Stuff.co.nz.

“Drying him up, making sure they don’t score and putting a lot of pressure on him from both ends [is imperative],” he further added.

Neil Wagner
Neil Wagner. Credit: Getty Images

So far, in Test cricket, Wagner has got rid of Kohli thrice in six innings and has conceded only 60 runs in 108 balls.

However, it was way back in 2014 and things have changed enormously since then.

Speaking of the same, Wagner stated that it was a special game for him, as he was still trying to cement his place in the team.

”I think it was a stage where I was still trying to find my feet in the team and trying to find a way of getting a role and doing my role in the team,” Wagner said.

“That’s one of the Test matches where it did turn. The way I bowl at the moment, that’s where it started,” he concluded.

Also Read: IPL Turned Around Indian Cricket; PSL Will Do The Same For Pakistan: Shahid Afridi

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India Tour of New Zealand 2020 Neil Wagner New Zealand vs India 2020 Virat Kohli
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