Former New Zealand fast bowler Neil Wagner reflected on how he employed the short-ball strategy against India during the 2014 Auckland Test. In the opening match of the series at Eden Park, Wagner repeatedly tested Indian batters such as Virat Kohli, Shikhar Dhawan, and MS Dhoni with bouncers.
Chasing a daunting 407 in the fourth innings, India appeared in control at one point, with Dhawan and Kohli stitching together a solid third-wicket stand. Wagner explained how the Kiwis relied on the short-ball ploy to disrupt the momentum. The plan worked when he removed Kohli for 67, tempting him into a pull shot against a short delivery, which resulted in a bottom edge.
“This Test match I remember the wicket being quite flat but there was a bit of pace and bounce. Eden Park is quite small straight but the square boundaries there are pockets that are helpful. I remember bowling a couple of bouncers and how they played it and particularly Kohli looked a bit unsettled. He didn’t know if he should take it on or not and how to play,” he said on the Red Inker Cricket Podcast. (49:31)
“The idea was trying to go cross and outside eyeline. He (Kohli) tried to pull it in front of square because there’s protection out. Him trying to pull it in front of square, he just got a toe end on it and it carried through to BJ Watling. He got a bottom edge on it and it created a bit of a mode,” he added.
Neil Wagner recalls dismissing Dhawan and Dhoni with bouncer tactics
Neil Wagner proved crucial for New Zealand in India’s second innings. After removing Kohli, he struck again by dismissing Dhawan, who was coming off a century and appeared well set at the crease. Wagner dismissed Dhawan with a sharp bouncer after his 115-run knock, before removing Dhoni (39) with a slower bouncer despite his vital stand with Jadeja, dealing India major blows.
“Then Dhoni and Jadeja looked like they were going to chase it down and play a phenomenal innings. Dhoni didn’t look like it was bothering him too much. It was all about taking the positive and aggressive option for us and not being fearful at all.”
“I was like I am going to bowl a slower ball bouncer to Dhoni. I did it and he chopped it on and I was amazed by it. The confidence that I got from that and backing your gut feeling, made me feel like getting some confidence and some self-belief,” he said.
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