Neil Wagner - New Zealand - Bowler

Wagner is one of the several South Africans who plies his trade for New Zealand. The left-handed bowler started his career at Afrikaans High School in Pretoria before shifting base to Otago in 2009. He had a brilliant 2010/11 season, where he was the highest wicket taker with 46 wickets. That got him a Test call-up for the West Indies series in 2012.

Wagner had a decent series against England where he picked up 19 wickets in 5 matches (both home and away). He picked up his first five wicket haul against Bangladesh at Dhaka. Already with the ability to swing the ball both ways, he also added reverse swing to his arsenal. Wagner had pretty ordinary run in the home series against West Indies in 2013, but the team management persisted with him and he didn't disappoint. In the two Tests against India, Wagner picked up 11 wickets and was one of the heroes in the famous win at Auckland.

Wagner has continued his rise as one of New Zealand's most dependable seamers, often toiling away bowling long spells with a spirit like no other. Wagner has used the short-ball barrage to great effect and is a tireless workhorse who complements the superb new-ball duo of Tim Southee and Trent Boult. Often overlooked in away Tests especially in the subcontinent, Wagner has shown a winner's mentality to rise above all these to play 62 Tests till date in a decade long career.

Warner's unlimited energy and passion rubs off on his team-mates who are inspired by his feats. Often putting his body through extreme stress with an unflinching attitude, Wagner is one of the most-respected and liked players in the New Zealand setup.

Wagner's strengths are his mentality and his ability to keep going even at the age of 37. In 61 Tests, Wagner has 253 wickets with a career-best of 7/39 in an innings. With Boult opting out of a New Zealand central contract, Wagner should get more opportunities in the only format he is picked to play.

ByCricbuzz Staff