Kolkata: The World Test Championship final against India, scheduled in England from June 18-22, will be the curtain call for BJ Watling - New Zealand’s most successful Test wicketkeeper-batsman and one of the unsung modern heroes of the game.
The 35-year-old, who has been an integral part of the Black Caps’ Test team since his debut in 2009, and holds the Kiwis’ record for Test dismissals with 249 catches (excluding 10 as a fielder) and eight stumpings, has decided to retire from all forms of cricket after their upcoming tour of England, New Zealand Cricket said on Wednesday.
New Zealand are set to play two Tests against England, beginning June 2, followed by the WTC final. It will be a fitting finale to Watling’s career, one of the most under-rated keeper-batsman in the game, if they can stage an upset win over Virat Kohli & Co for Test cricket’s ultimate prize.
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Watling, who also represented New Zealand in 28 One-day Internationals and five Twenty20s, said the time had come to hang up his gloves as he looks forward to spending more time with his family.
“It’s been a huge honour to represent New Zealand and in particular wear the Test baggy,” Watling said in a statement. “Test cricket really is the pinnacle of the game and I’ve loved every minute of being out there in the whites with the boys.
“I’ve played with some great players and made many good mates. I’ve also had plenty of help along the way for which I’ll always be grateful.
“Although I’ve had to make this announcement ahead of the tour to England, my focus is very much on the three Tests ahead and preparing to perform in them.” With the bat, Watling has scored 3773 runs in 73 Tests at 38.11 with eight hundreds and 19 half-centuries, with his highest score of a match-winning 205 coming against England at Mt Maunganui in 2019.
New Zealand coach Gary Stead paid tribute to Watling’s grit and determination that helped him forge a career as one of the country’s finest glovemen.
“The records speak for themselves and he’s been such a crucial cog in the Test team’s rise over the past decade,” Stead said.
“The attitude and fight he brings to every day and every session of a Test is what has made him such a valued member of the Black Caps.”
