Cricket: Inside Neil Wagner’s Heroic Deeds in Black Caps Test Win over Pakistan at Bay Oval

The way Neil Wagner ran to throw ball after ball in the Black Caps’ victory over Pakistan in the first test at the Bay Oval this week, no one could tell he had two broken fingers.

The New Zealand paced bowler delivered with the same intensity and heat that he normally would, with his usual workhorse style charge.

However, following Wagner’s heroic deeds in the test, Black Caps bowling coach Shane Jurgensen has revealed more details about how Wagner dealt with his pain.

After catching a ball on the foot while hitting in the first inning, many expected Wagner would be compromised if asked to pitch. However, he was given injections to help him control the pain.

“And I don’t think I’m a fan of needles,” Jurgensen said. Newstalk ZB’s Tim Dower. “So every time he had to get an injection to ease the pain, you could hear him screaming.”

Wagner finished 2-50 and 2-55 in the first and second innings respectively, throwing a total of 49 overs that included a spell of 11 straight overs.

The Black Caps will reveal later today whether or not it will be available for the second trial, however Jurgensen said there were hopes of avoiding surgery.

Speaking after the first test about Wagner’s performance as he was healing from an injury, Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan said he couldn’t explain it.

“I can’t explain Neil Wagner; 11 overs in a row with an injured finger, he’s a different guy,” he said. “His assaults were beautiful … he’s a great bowler.”

Black Caps skipper Kane Williamson shares similar sentiments after the test.

“People talk about the size of their heart, but having a broken pair of fingers … was in a lot of pain,” Williamson said. “We were trying to use it when the injection was working. It was unique to all of us, but in particular to Neil.

“To keep coming out and wanting to contribute, his appetite and motivation to try to make a difference for the team is huge and we haven’t seen him bigger than the effort he put into this test match.

“It was a very, very special effort by Wags, one that the team appreciated. We needed it and he delivered.”