The current ICC World Test Championship (WTC) the cycle has been a mixed bag for New Zealandpresenting both notable achievements and disappointing setbacks. Although the Black Caps showed signs of promise, they failed to establish themselves as a formidable force against their rivals. Currently, they occupy 4th place in the WTC rankings with an equal record of 7 wins and 7 losses, behind India.
Memorable moments for New Zealand in the current WTC cycle
Despite the inconsistencies, New Zealand has scored some memorable moments in red-ball cricket during this cycle. A historic series win in India allowed them to 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 best. South Africa at home, highlighting their potential on the international stage.
However, their campaign was overshadowed by significant disappointments. The recent series defeat against England dealt a serious blow to their future prospects, revealing their vulnerabilities. Earlier in the cycle, New Zealand suffered a series of crushing whitewashes from the Australia and Sri Lanka, further highlighting their struggle to maintain consistency in the longest format of the game.
Amid a number of remarkable Test victories for the New Zealand team in the current WTC cycle, here are 5 Kiwi players who have impressed fans and analysts with the ball.
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5 biggest wicket-takers for New Zealand in the current WTC cycle
- Matt Henry: The Blackcaps’ pace sensation
Henry has become the leader of New Zealand’s fast attack in the current WTC cycle. The 33-year-old has taken a total of 48 wickets in 18 innings in the current WTC cycle. This makes him the leading wicket-taker for New Zealand in the 2023-25 ​​WTC cycle. Henry’s most memorable bowling figure was a career-best figure of 7/67 which the pacer made against Australia in Christchurch. With a few more years of competitive level cricket left, Henry is expected to do even better for the Blackcaps in Test cricket in the near future.
- Ajaz Patel: a spin magician
The left-arm spinner was the find of the current WTC cycle for New Zealand and took a total of 37 wickets for New Zealand. Patel became the main difference maker in New Zealand’s triumph in India where he took a total of 15 wickets in 3 Test matches. The 36-year-old’s wicket-talking ability proved detrimental on slow tracks, particularly suited to the conditions of the subcontinent.
- Will O’Rourke: The future of New Zealand’s fast attack
The youngster became a constant support to Henry at the other end of the attack for New Zealand 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 major bone of contention for batting in Test cricket and has regularly featured for New Zealand in the longest format of the game.
- Mitchell Santner: a multi-talented star
The importance of a seasoned all-rounder is immense in Test cricket. Particularly in bowling, an ideal all-rounder can become a handy alternative for the team and provide important rest to traditional bowlers between long spells. On the New Zealand side, Santner managed to do just that, becoming a slow and crucial alternative for the Blackcaps. The 32-year-old has claimed 33 wickets for his team in the current WTC cycle and has cemented his place as an ideal all-rounder in red-ball cricket.
- Glenn Phillips: Smooth transition to new role on the team
Phillips is known in the cricket community for his hard-hitting abilities with the bat. However, in the current WTC cycle, Phillips has emerged as a more temperamental all-rounder who can not only bat but also take crucial wickets and break important partnerships with the opposition. With 31 wickets in the current WTC cycle, Phillips has made the transition to Test cricket for the Blackcaps and is expected to become a more regular starter in the next cycle.
