Former Australia skipper Ricky Ponting has pointed out Neil Wagner as the biggest potential scare to Tim Paine’s side, ahead of the highly-anticipated Test series against bitter rivals New Zealand. The left-armer’s deadly pace, zip, and bounce according to Ponting are what could disrupt the Aussies.
After beating Pakistan and England respectively, the Trans-Tasman rivals in Australia and New Zealand are set to go toe-to-toe with each other for a three-match Test series. They will start with a day-night affair at the Optus Stadium in Perth, on December 12.
While Australia battered Pakistan on all fronts, the Kiwis expressed their quality and application against an England side that perhaps, is still finding its best XI in the longest format of the game. Much like the hosts, New Zealand too, own a prolific pace battery that includes the likes of Tim Southee, Trent Boult, Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson and Wagner, himself.
NEIL WAGNER BAGS FIVE! The lion heart of our bowling attack takes his ninth five-wicket haul in Test cricket, finishing with 5-124 🏏 @englandcricket with a lead of 101 runs ➡️ Time to bat!
🏴 476 | https://t.co/6N136NPhv2#NZvENG #cricketnation pic.twitter.com/peXrBtxG2s
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) December 2, 2019
The 33-year-old possesses the remarkable ability of bowling longer spells and extracting nippy bounce and pace off dead surfaces. He’d heavily be favored by the juicy wickets down under.
Analyzing the pacer’s primary credential, Ponting said, “That’s his job: He just runs in and bowls most balls between your hip and your armpit. If you’re going to score off him, you’ve got to score off him with a horizontal bat. How many times do you see a pull shot up in the air, or mis-hit to mid-on?”
Ponting, who is regarded as one of the sharpest minds in the game, believes the Black Caps will utilize Wagner’s durability and consistency as an ‘enforcer.’ He added, “They’ll use him as their enforcer – what they have is a well-rounded attack. Guys with the new ball who pitch it up and try to swing it and Wagner comes in behind them and bowls fast and short.”
Certainly so, because the experienced speedster has accumulated an impressive 43 wickets in his last 10 Test matches. Wagner, the late bloomer, will be gagging to test the temperament and technique of the in-form Australian batsmen when the two sides meet on December 12, at Perth.
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