Do you remember these top rescue acts by BJ Watling?
New Zealand wicket-keeper batsman BJ Watling is in the headlines after having played a commendable innings in the ongoing first Test against England in Mount Maunganui. Batting unbeaten on 199, along with a 119-run stand with Colin de Grandhomme, the Kiwis lead by 41 in the opening innings. In the same light, we take a look at instances when Watling was on the rescue.
How does the match currently stand?
As for the ongoing match, England managed to post a total of 353, courtesy Ben Stokes' 91, while Tim Southee claimed 4/88. Meanwhile, the Kiwis too are off to a fine start. While their top-order did not fire, it was Watling, who was involved in three 50-plus partnerships, along with Henry Nicholls, De Grandhomme and Mitchell Santner, as they lead in the first innings.
352-run stand with Brendon McCullum to save against India
The second Test against India in Wellington, in 2014, saw New Zealand being dismissed for a cheap 192 in the opening innings. As India led by 246 in the first innings, New Zealand were shaky again. However, it was skipper Brendon McCullum (302), along with Watling (124), who put up a record-breaking 352-run stand for the sixth wicket, as New Zealand drew the Test.
Another record-breaking stand as Watling-Williamson tame Sri Lanka
The following year, Watling bettered his India stand, this time with Kane Williamson, and once again at Wellington. After Lanka had claimed a 135-run lead in the opening innings, the New Zealand top-order was clumsy. However, Williamson (242*), along with Watling (142*) at number seven, ensured a mammoth unbeaten 265-run stand for the sixth wicket. Meanwhile, Kiwis later won the match by 193 runs.
Watling continues rescue run in England
Watling continued his same rescue act a few months later in England. During the Leeds Test, both the teams were neck-on-neck in the opening innings. As the Kiwis looked determined to win the Test, while the middle-order contributed equally, Watling provided the finishing touch with a stellar innings of 120, as the Kiwis led by 454. Meanwhile, England were bundled for 255.
Watling breaks Lanka's heart once again
Watling reminded the Lankans of himself four years later, this time in Colombo. Already trailing the series, the second Test saw Lanka being bundled out for 244. However, the Kiwis ensured that they don't fumble, and besides Tom Latham's 154, Watling scored an unbeaten 105, including a 113-run stand with De Grandhomme. Lanka were then bowled out for 122 as Kiwis drew series level.
