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New Zealand Test specialist Neil Wagner is delighted at the prospect of facing Australia next summer on home soil. The left-arm tailor remembers how their plans against Australia fell short in the 2019-20 overseas series.
Australia will play a Test series in New Zealand for the first time since 2016. Pat Cummins and Co. will appear. in Tests at Wellington and Christchurch, starting on 29 February 2024, after starting their visit with three T20Is.
Speaking to the AAP, the veteran peacemaker said:
“In 2019 we tried to throw a few punches, but it just didn’t work. It’s good to play Australia in our conditions. They’re a team at the top of their game at the moment, rightfully No. 1 in the world.”
Australia edged the Kiwis 2-0 during their visit in 2016, thanks to Adam Voges’ 309 runs in four innings. The Blackcaps lost the first Test by an innings and 83 runs, followed by a seven-wicket defeat in the next innings.
“If we could play more Tests, that would be exciting.” – Neil Wagner
Wagner, who is recovering from a hamstring strain, said New Zealand deserved to play more Tests but understood scheduling conflicts. The 37-year-old said:
“It’s about the money, it’s about where we are in the world with viewership and time zones. We’re little fish in the pond.”
“If we could play more Tests, that would be exciting. I’m so jealous of other teams playing three- and four-Test series. It’s unheard of.”
Besides Australia, New Zealand will also host Bangladesh, Pakistan and South Africa. The Kiwis are yet to win a Test series against the Proteas and are hoping to do so this summer. Tim Southee and Co. did not lose. Test series at home since 2017.
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