Australian captain Pat Cummins jokingly welcomed the possibility of veteran bowler Neil Wagner returning for New Zealand’s second Test. Cummins appreciated Wagner’s energetic style of play while humorously expressing his readiness to face him again.
Neil Wagner, a consistent presence in the New Zealand Test cricket squad for several years, recently announced his retirement just before the first Test. The team management excluded him from the playing XI against Australia. New Zealand faced a heavy 172-run loss in the series opener in Wellington on Sunday, March 3. Additionally, young pacer Will O’Rourke sustained a hamstring injury during the match, raising doubts about his availability for the next match against Australia.
Pat Cummins Trolled New Zealand Over Neil Wagner’s Possible Return
Tim Southee hinted at the potential return of recently retired Neil Wagner during the post-match discussion. He indicated that they haven’t had thorough discussions about it yet and will wait to evaluate Will’s condition over the next few days before reaching a decision. Southee said:
“We haven’t had a lot of discussions as yet. We’ll see how Will scrubs up. The physio hasn’t sort of put a timeframe on it or how bad it is. We’ll just wait and see how Will goes over the next couple of days. I’m sure there’ll be an update in the next 24 hours. [Wagner’s] had a great reception here over the last week where he got a couple of moments on the field and obviously he’s been a fan favorite for a long time,”
In the first test, Will O’Rourke had to exit the field after bowling only five deliveries into the eighth over on the third day due to an injury. Although he didn’t return to fielding, he did bat in the final innings of the match.
Pat Cummins responded in a light-hearted manner when asked about Neil Wagner’s possible return, jokingly calling it the “world’s shortest retirement.” He highlighted Wagner’s energetic presence and the enjoyable exchanges they’ve shared on the field.
“World’s shortest retirement. I mean, why not? If he’s your next best bowler that you think is going to perform, then go for it. I’ve faced him before,” he was quoted as saying by Fox Sports.
“It’d be good to see. He’s high energy. It’s been good fun chatting to him each morning out here, so see how he goes,” Cummins added.
New Zealand began the fourth day of play needing 258 runs to win. Rachin Ravindra, who resumed batting, only added three runs to his overnight score before getting out to Nathan Lyon after scoring 59 runs off 105 balls. Ravindra’s wicket sparked a collapse in New Zealand’s batting order, and they were all out for 196 runs in the first session. As a result, Pat Cummins’ team secured a decisive 1-0 lead in the two-match Test series in New Zealand.
The second and final Test match between New Zealand and Australia will take place at Hagley Oval in Christchurch from March 8 to 12.
