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The course ICC World Test Championship (WTC) The cycle has been heterogeneous during New Zealandshowing both notable achievements and disappointing setbacks. While the Black Caps showed flashes of promise, they failed to establish themselves as a formidable force against their rivals. Currently, they are 4th 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 created some memorable moments in red-ball cricket during this cycle. A historic series win in India saw them achieve a rare feat, giving India a series whitewash at home for the first time since 2000. Additionally, the Blackcaps secured a historic 2-0 series win against the leaders of the table. South Africa at home, underscoring his potential on the international stage.
However, his campaign was overshadowed by major disappointments. The recent series loss to England dealt a severe blow to its future prospects, exposing its vulnerabilities. Early in the cycle, New Zealand suffered a crushing series of whitewashes at the hands of Australia and Sri Lanka, further highlighting their struggle to maintain consistency in the longest format of the game.
Amid a string of notable Test wins for the New Zealand team in the current WTC cycle, here are five Kiwi players who have impressed fans and analysts alike with the ball.
Also Read: Twitter Reactions: Rachin Ravindra and Mark Chapman power New Zealand to 2-0 series lead over Sri Lanka in ODIs
Top 5 wicket-takers for New Zealand in the current WTC cycle
- Matt Henry: Blackcaps pace sensation
Henry has emerged as New Zealand’s pace attack leader in the current WTC cycle. The 33-year-old has taken a total of 48 wickets in 18 innings during the current WTC cycle. This makes him New Zealand’s leading wicket-taker in the 2023-25 WTC cycle. Henry’s most memorable bowling figure was a career-best 7/67 which the pacer achieved against Australia in Christchurch. With a few more years of competitive level cricket left in him, Henry is expected to perform even better for the Blackcaps in Test cricket in the near future.
- Ajaz Patel: a magician of effects
The left-arm spinner was the find of the current WTC cycle for New Zealand and secured a total of 37 wickets for New Zealand. Patel became the key factor in New Zealand’s series win in India where he took a total of 15 wickets in 3 Test matches. The 36-year-old’s on-field talking ability has proven detrimental on slow tracks, especially in subcontinental conditions.
- Will O’Rourke: The future of New Zealand’s pace attack
The youngster became a constant support for Henry at the other end of the New Zealand attack and managed to take a total of 36 wickets in 18 innings for the Blackcaps. The 23-year-old, with his pace and bounce, has become a bone of contention for batsmen in Test cricket and has been a consistent performer for New Zealand in the longest format of the game.
- Mitchell Santner: a multi-talented star
The importance of an experienced all-rounder is immense in Test cricket. Especially in bowling, an ideal all-rounder can become a useful alternative for the team and provide an important break for traditional bowlers between long sessions. In the New Zealand team, Santner has managed to do just that, emerging as a slow and crucial alternative for the Blackcaps. The 32-year-old took 33 wickets for his team in the current WTC cycle and cemented his place as the ideal all-rounder in red-ball cricket.
- Glenn Phillips: Smooth transition to new role in team
Phillips is known in the cricket community for his hard-hitting skills with the bat. However, in the current WTC cycle, Phillips has evolved into a more temperamental all-rounder who can not only bat but also take crucial wickets and break important partnerships from the opposition. With 31 wickets in the current WTC cycle, Phillips has made the transition into Test cricket for the Blackcaps and is expected to become a more regular starter in the next cycle.
