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ongoing ICC World Test Championship (WTC) The cycle has been a mixed bag New Zealandshowing both remarkable achievements and disappointing setbacks. While the Blackcaps showed glimmers of promise, they failed to establish themselves as a force against their opponents. Currently, they are ranked fourth in the WTC standings with a record of 7 wins and 7 losses, behind India.
New Zealand’s unforgettable moments in the current WTC cycle
Despite the inconsistencies, New Zealand There have been some memorable moments in red-ball cricket during this cycle. The historic series win in India allowed them to achieve a rare feat of winning the series at home for the first time since 2000. In addition, the Blackcaps also achieved a landmark series victory with a 2-0 victory over the tabletop powerhouse South Africa Domestically, their potential on the international stage is highlighted.
However, their campaign was overshadowed by huge disappointment. Most recent series lost to England It was a major blow to their future prospects and exposed their weaknesses. New Zealand suffered a series of devastating whitewashes early in the cycle Australia and Sri Lanka, further underlining their efforts to maintain consistency in the longest format of the game.
New Zealand have enjoyed a string of excellent Test wins this WTC cycle, with five New Zealand players impressing fans and analysts alike with their skills.
Also read: Twitter Reaction: Rachin Ravindra and Mark Chapman help New Zealand lead 2-0 in ODI series against Sri Lanka
New Zealand’s 5 highest batsmen in the current WTC cycle
- Matt Henry: The Blackcaps’ sense of pace
Henry has emerged as the leader of New Zealand’s pace attack in the current WTC cycle. The 33-year-old has taken a total of 48 wickets in 18 innings in the current WTC cycle. This makes him New Zealand’s leading wicket-taker in the 2023-25 WTC cycle. Henry’s most memorable bowling figure was his career-best figures of 7/67 against Australia in Christchurch. With Henry still having a few years of competitive cricket left, expect him to perform better for the Black Caps in Test cricket in the near future.
- Ajaz Patel: Wizard of Spin
The left-arm spinner was New Zealand’s discoverer in this WTC cycle, taking a total of 37 wickets for the New Zealand team. Patel became a key factor in New Zealand’s series victory in India, taking a total of 15 wickets in the 3 Test matches. The 36-year-old’s wicket-talking abilities have proven to be a disadvantage on slower tracks, especially in subcontinental conditions.
- Will O’Rourke: The future of New Zealand’s pace attack
The youngster became a constant supporter of Henry at the other end of the New Zealand attack and took a total of 36 wickets in the Black Caps’ 18 innings. The 23-year-old has been a bone of contention for the batsmen in Test cricket with his pace and bounce and has performed consistently for New Zealand in the longest format of the game.
- Mitchell Santner: A star of many talents
The importance of experienced all-rounders in Test cricket is huge. Especially in bowling, an ideal all-rounder can be a handy substitute for the team and provide some vital rest to the traditional bowlers between long spells. For the New Zealand side, Santner has managed to do just that, becoming a key slow replacement for the Black Caps. The 32-year-old has taken 33 wickets for his team in the current WTC cycle, cementing his status as an ideal all-rounder in red-ball cricket.
- Glenn Phillips: A smooth transition into a new role within the team
Phillips is famous in the cricket world for his batting prowess. However, in the current WTC cycle, Phillips has transformed into a more cantankerous all-rounder who can not only bat but also take crucial wickets and break important partnerships of the opposition. Phillips, who has 31 wickets in the current WTC cycle, has moved into Test cricket for the Blackcaps and is expected to become a more regular opener in the next cycle.
