Tim Paine has BJ Watling posters on his bedroom wall.
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BJ Watling+ retires
- Thread starter NZTailender
- Start date
The Hutt Rec
International Vice-Captain
Gotta say I was always annoyed he was discarded fairly quickly as a specialist batsman ... rated the guy highly from the start, and thought in limited opportunities he showed he had the grit to make a success of things at the top level. Had no idea if he was a decent keeper or not when he was initially picked in that role, but was stoked he was back in the side. Should never have doubted him, because he applied that same determination to his keeping and was as good behind the stumps as he was in front of them.
Absolute legend of NZ cricket already and one of the first picked in an all-time test side. Sad because it feels like an important cog has left our best ever test side, but glad I got to see him play.
Absolute legend of NZ cricket already and one of the first picked in an all-time test side. Sad because it feels like an important cog has left our best ever test side, but glad I got to see him play.
Moss
International Captain
Think it was John Wright who envisioned and seriously pushed for Watling as the long-term wicketkeeper batsman ahead of the others. Given his issues with the management Wright was never likely to stay long enough as coach, but this is one thing we can thank him for.
Was sceptical of the decision to play a non-regular gloveman, but really I can't remember NZ not winning a test because Watling kept badly. Add to that his well documented output with the bat (his improvement against spin from when he started out was quite something) he gave NZ a real package. Big shoes for Blundell, Cleaver etc. to fill.
Was sceptical of the decision to play a non-regular gloveman, but really I can't remember NZ not winning a test because Watling kept badly. Add to that his well documented output with the bat (his improvement against spin from when he started out was quite something) he gave NZ a real package. Big shoes for Blundell, Cleaver etc. to fill.
Athlai
Not Terrible
Yeah I remember thinking McIntosh + Watling were a great pairGotta say I was always annoyed he was discarded fairly quickly as a specialist batsman ... rated the guy highly from the start, and thought in limited opportunities he showed he had the grit to make a success of things at the top level. Had no idea if he was a decent keeper or not when he was initially picked in that role, but was stoked he was back in the side. Should never have doubted him, because he applied that same determination to his keeping and was as good behind the stumps as he was in front of them.
Absolute legend of NZ cricket already and one of the first picked in an all-time test side. Sad because it feels like an important cog has left our best ever test side, but glad I got to see him play.
The Hutt Rec
International Vice-Captain
Dunno about that, McIntosh could make a four hour pre-smartphone stint in a waiting room seem exciting.
Athlai
Not Terrible
I had a theory that once he faced 70 balls or something he averaged 40+. It made his innings far more exciting.
flibbertyjibber
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Going to leave a huge hole in the side, been a superb player over the years.
Fuller Pilch
Hall of Fame Member
He has 3 tests to score 227 runs to reach 4,000 runs in test cricket. Hope he gets there.
I asked the missus if we could get BJ posters on the wall and she seemed horrified....
I'll miss him, but if there's any time for him to leave this is it, NZ keeping stocks are very strong at the moment. I initially always thought he was a stop-gap keeper, and I think it was only 4-5 years ago I accepted he should be the lower order keeper bat than the opening bat the ND fan in me wanted him to be. He's a real match winner, always felt confident when he came out to bat in a tough situation.
That's the thing about BJ, he'd never say it but I would absolutely believe the fact that there is a ready-made replacement in Blundell ready would form part of his decision too. He's the sort of guy who would probably hang on if his importance to the side was a lot stronger. Obviously family forms a part of it (huge part potentially) but given he only really travels for Test cricket, he could have as easily just retired from all short forms and been at home a fair bit.
I think he would have also made a good one day batsman if the game hadn't evolved as it did. Back when 225 - 250 could be a competitive score most matches, a guy who can reliably score at 80SR would have been valuable. Nowadays, with 350 being a normal score there's just nowhere to fit him in.
I'm excited to have Blundell back to the lower order. Asked to do a tough job jumping in as opening bat and did a hell of a job considering, very talented player and keeper. I'm still a wee bit sad we may never see Dane Cleaver play for NZ.
I'm excited to have Blundell back to the lower order. Asked to do a tough job jumping in as opening bat and did a hell of a job considering, very talented player and keeper. I'm still a wee bit sad we may never see Dane Cleaver play for NZ.