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The ongoing ICC World Test Championship (WTC) cycle has been a mixed bag for new zealandshowing both notable successes and disappointing setbacks. Although the Black Caps showed promising interviews, they failed to establish themselves as a formidable force against their rivals. They currently sit fourth in the WTC table with an even record of 7 wins and 7 losses, behind India.
Memorable moments for New Zealand in the current WTC cycle
Despite the inconsistencies, new zealand carved out some memorable moments in red-ball cricket during this cycle. A historic series win in India saw them achieve a rare feat, handing India a series whitewash at home for the first time since 2000. Also, the Blackcaps achieved a historic of the series 2-0 against the table players. south africa at home, underlining its potential on the international stage.
However, his campaign was overshadowed by major disappointments. The recent loss of the series England it dealt a huge blow to their future prospects, exposing their vulnerabilities. Earlier in the cycle, New Zealand suffered crushing series whitewashes at the hands of Australia and Sri Lanka, further highlighting their struggle to maintain consistency in the longest format of the game.
Amid several highlight-reel Test wins for Team New Zealand in the current WTC cycle, here are 5 Kiwi players who have impressed fans and analysts alike with the ball.
Read also: Reactions on Twitter: Rachin Ravindra, Mark Chapman dominate New Zealand with 2-0 series lead over Sri Lanka in ODIs
New Zealand’s top 5 carriers in the current WTC cycle
- Matt Henry: The Blackcaps’ sense of pace
Henry has emerged as the leader of New Zealand’s pace attack in the current WTC cycle. The 33-year-old has picked up a total of 48 wickets in 18 innings during the current WTC cycle. This makes him New Zealand’s top carrier in the 2023-25 WTC cycle. Henry’s most memorable bowling figures were his career best figures of 7/67 which the pacer took against Australia in Christchurch. With a few more years of competitive level cricket, Henry is expected to perform even better for the Blackcaps in Test cricket in the near future.
- Ajaz Patel – A spin magician
The left-arm spinner was the find of the current WTC cycle for New Zealand and took a total of 37 wickets for New Zealand. Patel became the main difference maker in New Zealand’s series triumph in India, where he took a total of 15 wickets in 3 Test matches. The 36-year-old’s wicket-talking ability has proved detrimental on slow tracks, especially adapting to the conditions in the subcontinent.
- Will O’Rourke: The future of New Zealand’s pace attack
The youngster became a constant back-up for Henry at the other end of the slot attack for New Zealand and took a total of 36 wickets in 18 innings for the Blackcaps. The 23-year-old, with his pace and bounce, has become one of the main poles of contention for batsmen in Test cricket and has performed consistently for New Zealand in the longest format of the game.
- Mitchell Santner: An all-round star
The importance of an experienced all-rounder is immense in Test cricket. Particularly in bowling, an ideal bowler can become a useful alternative to the team and provide a significant break to traditional bowlers between long spells. In the New Zealand side, Santner has succeeded, emerging as a crucial slow alternative for the Blackcaps. The 32-year-old took 33 wickets for his side in the current WTC cycle and cemented his place as the go-to all-rounder in red-ball cricket.
- Glenn Phillips: Smooth transition into a new role on the team
Phillips is known in the cricket community for his hard-hitting skills with the bat. However, in the current WTC cycle, Phillips has transitioned into a more temperamental all-rounder who can not only bat but can also take crucial wickets and break important opposition partnerships. With 31 wickets in the current WTC cycle, Phillips has made the transition to Test cricket for the Blackcaps and is expected to become a more regular starter in the next cycle.
