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Forget the huge workload while bowling with two broken fingers, the fear of needles may have been the biggest hurdle Black Caps hero Neil Wagner had to overcome against Pakistan.
New Zealand bowling coach Shane Jurgensen has provided more insight into Wagner’s Herculean effort in the first Test at Mount Maunganui, which played a pivotal role in the home team’s thrilling victory that brought them provisionally to No. 1 in the world ranking.
Phil Walter / Getty Images
Neil Wagner fought through the pain barrier to play a crucial role in New Zealand’s victory.
After breaking a couple of bones while hitting in the early innings, Wagner defied expectations to throw a combined 49 overs, including a marathon of 11 straight in the crucial final session, to finish 4-105.
He was helped by pain injections to get through the contest, but Jurgensen revealed that it was not an easy process for the 34-year-old.
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“I don’t think I’m a fan of needles,” Jurgensen told Newstalk ZB. “So every time he had to get an injection to ease the pain, you could hear him screaming.”
The Black Caps are expected to announce later Thursday whether Wagner will be available for the second test in Christchurch, which begins Sunday, although Jurgensen was hoping to avoid surgery.
Matt Henry is the top contender to join the team if Wagner is ruled out. But regardless of its status, the South African-born sailor’s lion-heart display will be remembered for quite some time.
“He was in a lot of pain and he would go away, they would give him injections and he would make his foot numb and we were trying to use it when the injection was working, it was unique to all of us,” said Black Caps captain Kane Williamson after the game.
“His appetite and motivation to be there and try to make a difference for the team is enormous and we have not seen him greater than the effort he put into this test match.
“It had an impact on his ability to operate 100%, but still he came in and made the breakthrough as he does with us so often when he’s in top form.
“It was a very, very special effort from Wags, one that the team appreciated. We needed him there and he delivered. “
