New Zealand are currently touring England for a two-match Test series. The first test started already on Wednesday. This will be followed by the World Test Championship Final against India. The final is scheduled to be played from June 18-22 at the Ageas Rose Bowl, Southampton.
We’ve heard a lot about South Africa-born people playing for England Cricket Team. Andrew Strauss, Kevin Pietersen, Matt Prior, and Jonathon Trott are the names that come to mind off the top of the head. But how many knew there were a few South Africans in the current Black Caps’ squad?
Here are three New Zealand cricketers in the current Test squad who were born in South Africa:
1) Devon Conway
Devon Conway has already etched his name at the Lords’ honors board for the latest batting sensation for New Zealand. Something which even Tendulkar and Kallis failed to do. Conway managed to score a breath-taking double century on debut against England on Day 2 (June 03) of the first Test.
This talented 29-year-old was born in Johannesburg, Transvaal. He moved to New Zealand in 2017. In March 2020, the International Cricket Council confirmed that Conway would be eligible to play for New Zealand from 28 August 2020.
Ever since making his debut for the Kiwis, Conway hasn’t looked back. He has aggregated 834 runs in 15 international innings, at a staggering average of 75.82. Although Conway started late, he already looks set to have an impactful career playing for the Black Caps.
2) BJ Watling
Watling made his Test debut in December 2009 and eight months later, played his first One Day International. He is the first wicket-keeper batsman to score a double hundred for New Zealand in Tests. Watling was born in South Africa before his family moved to New Zealand when he was 10 years old.
Watling is known for playing crucial knocks when his team is in deep trouble. On 16–17 February 2014, Watling played a gritty knock of 124 against India. His 352 run partnership with New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum was at the time the highest sixth-wicket stand in test cricket history.
Watling was a test specialist with a high score of 205. Dale Steyn, had praised BJ Watling during one of the tours. “He is a good player and he doesn’t want to give his wicket away. He is a typical wicket-keeper batsman and…is a very gutsy player,” Steyn said.
In May 2021, Watling announced his retirement from cricket following New Zealand’s tour to England to play in the Test series and the final of the ICC World Test Championship in June 2021.
3) Neil Wagner
Wagner was born in Pretoria. In 2008, he moved to New Zealand to pursue a career playing Test cricket. He eventually made his Test debut for New Zealand against West Indies in 2012. He is a Test specialist and plays only one format.
Wagner shot to fame when he took 5 wickets in one 6-ball over against Wellington. So far, he is the only player to achieve this feat. Although he struggled initially, Wagner established himself as a reliable 3rd seamer for the New Zealand side during their 2013 home and away series against England, plucking 19 wickets in 5 tests.
The lion-hearted fast bowler has picked 219 wickets at an average of 26.33 in 52 test matches. Wagner is the definition of a workhorse. His signature delivery, the bouncer (short ball) is the delivery that he reaps the most rewards from.
He will next be seen in the test series against England in June.