Wagner treats winning against South Africa same as any other opposition

The Pretoria born bowler has been neutral in his stance for playing against South Africa, on which he is probed frequently.

Kiwi bowlers were the stars of New Zealand’s victory over South Africa at the Hagley Oval, with Matt Henry picking up a 7-fer in the first innings and Southee pocketing another 5-fer in the second. However, Neil Wagner did have a role to play as he picked 3 in the second innings as well as hammering a quick-fire 49 batting at number 5 (night-watchman).

Ahead of the second Test, which is also in Christchurch Wagner was asked if winning against South Africa meant anything special to him  "People ask me that question, obviously, because I was born there. But I've been living here for 14 years now, so it's something I don't think about too much, or it doesn't really feel that way. I probably only really know two or three guys in that team anyway. So it's a lot different to what it was when I started my career personally”

He remained focussed on the task that lies ahead of him, "we really want to beat them in the series". Wagner mentioned that this win would not be, "different to any of the other ones" 

He also added about the visiting side and the quality they possess, "They are a quality team, and we really want to, obviously, beat them in the series. They have always been a quality unit,"

He continued to speak quite highly of their current setup and the results they have managed to stitch. Yet the team doesn’t take any visiting team lightly irrespective of their record.

"But to beat any team… we've achieved a couple of things throughout the years now, beating England for the first time in I don't know how many years. [It's] the same no matter who you play, we saw that a couple of months ago when we played against Bangladesh, how they played in our conditions.”

Wagner believes that the experience this current lot has developed playing around the world and against all oppositions is a key success factor for them.

"Nice thing about this team is everyone's got a bit of experience now; helps, obviously, the more you're playing. When you play quality teams and are able to put performances in, it definitely helps in getting more experience but also getting the confidence out of it too. Hopefully, we can keep growing as a unit and take it forward.”

He also reflected on the complete performance the Kiwis put and outplayed South Africa across all departments with a special mention for the Player of the Match- Matt Henry.

"It was a strong performance [in the first Test], it was really good, obviously everyone chipped in, and in all facets, and Matt Henry obviously being absolutely outstanding for us. Yeah, pretty pleasing Test match for us, but it's something in the past now, got to put this behind us quite quickly and move forward to Friday, because South Africa is a quality team and will come backfiring. So we also want to be on top of our game and keep improving as we go forward."

"It's obviously great for a guy like Matt to come in and have some rewards and some success, as someone who is carrying the drinks for a number of times now," Wagner said. "And coming in for one Test and going out, you never really get into too much of a rhythm. So for him to get some reward is very pleasing.”

Batting at 5 as night-watchman Wagner blasted to 49 the next morning to not leaving South Africa any chance of coming back in the game.. "[I thought] I might just try and play an aggressive game and try and see if I can hopefully score some quick runs and take the game away from them" 

"Quite nice it came off on the day, and hopefully I can do something similar in the future again. I take a lot of pride in my batting and try to contribute to the team wherever I can. I love batting and hopefully, I can keep going."

Not just Wagner, but Matt Henry too made a vital fifty after his performance with the ball. Wagner touched upon how bowlers have been working hard to contribute with the bat as well.

"We keep bowling for each other, and we keep passing that baton on, that the rewards will swing around as it has been, and… but yeah, it's bowling for the other guys, and whosoever day it has to get right around him. I thought Tim Southee was outstanding again with the new ball, and the same for Kyle and all the other guys, just keep chipping in and doing our jobs.

Due to the Covid scenario, the second test was moved from Wellington back to Christchurch, where the New Zealand team can expect a bit of a crowd again, with certain restrictions employed. Wagner added that "Christchurch crowd has always been fantastic, they always get behind us, they support us quite well, and even though it was a smaller crowd, it was nice to see some faces around of people, chanting and singing along and cheering us along,"  

"It goes a long way; no one wants to play in front of an empty stadium, which can be sometimes tough work as well. So really appreciate, obviously, all that support from the public and hopefully long may that continue."