New Zealand wicketkeeper-batsman BJ Watling had well in advance announced the plans of hanging his boots after the tour of England which were to end with the World Test Championship final against India.
As New Zealand humbled India to clinch the inaugural edition of the World Test Championship, Watling did not hide his ‘ecstatic’ feeling while taking to the official broadcaster Star Sports.
He said that the target of 139 runs could well have been a trickier target if not for the ‘two of our greatest’ in Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor, who put on an unbeaten partnership to take the Blackcaps over the finishing line.
He also said that the finish of his career with a world champions New Zealand side was not something that he did ‘imagine’ while starting off his international career.
"Ecstatic. Been a lot of hard work over a long period of time as a group. To get over the line is special. Chasing a total like that on a wicket that was offering a bit, was special from two of our greatest. No, I didn't imagine I'd end as a World Test Champion,” Watling said.
He thanked his family and friends, especially his mother, and wife for standing by him in tough times throughout a ‘hell of a journey.’ He also thanked his New Zealand mates of a ‘special’ group that carried the team to a great finish in the World Test Championship final against India.
My family back home, my mum has stood up for me in tough times, my wife Jess and the two boys - a thank you to all of them. It's been a hell of a journey. Huge support over the years from my mates. We've got a special group, this is a great way to finish,” Watling concluded.
Watling made his Test debut against Pakistan in 2009 and went on to become one of the longest-serving gloveman for the Blackcaps with 74 appearances in the longest format.