Neil Wagner – Lancashire, English County Cricket
It’s been a dream start to county cricket for BLACKCAPS Test bowler Neil Wagner, taking an eleven wicket-bag in his opening match for Lancashire.
The 30-year-old left-arm pace bowler took 6-66 in the first innings against Nottinghamshire, followed by figures of 5-45 in the second innings – including a spell which featured four wickets in 13 balls.
His match line of 11-111 were the best for a Lancashire player on debut since 1914 and drew wide-spread praise. Team mate and England bowler Jimmy Anderson was one such impressed figure.
“To take 11-for on his debut is something pretty special. He should be really proud of that,” said Anderson.
"He is a fantastic guy, he loves playing, he wants to do well for the team and has so much energy on the field. He never turns down the opportunity to have a bowl.”
He has a fantastic attitude and someone we are lucky to have.”
Not bad praise from a man with over 400 Test wickets.
Mitchell McClenaghan - Mumbai Indians, IPL
Equal leading wicket taker in the competition, career best figures of 4-21 and a successful elevation up the order with the bat – Mitchell McClenaghan has had a strong start to the IPL.
While his team, the Mumbai Indian currently only have one victory from four games, McClenaghan has been a stand-out performer. He has bowled more overs than anyone else in the competition, at an economy of 7.33, while taking top-order wickets (6).
He also made a surprising appearance at number four in the batting line-up one match, striking three sixes for 20 off eight balls.
He’ll be asking BLACKCAPS Coach Mike Hesson to go up the order after that!
Tim Southee - Mumbai Indians, IPL
Joining McClenaghan in the Mumbai bowling attack is BLACKCAP Tim Southee, who starred for the Indians in their most recent match against the Sunrisers Hyderabad.
Southee took 3-24 from his four overs - the only member of his team to trouble the wickets column. The 27-year-old managed to swing the ball to great effect, though his performance was in vain, as Mumbai lost by seven wickets.
Between he and McClenaghan, the BLACKCAPS representatives have been key figures for the Mumbai Indians to date, with Martin Guptill and Corey Anderson still waiting in the wings.
Ross Taylor - Mumbai Indians, IPL
Last but not least, good luck to Ross Taylor who is not only going to be playing cricket for county side Sussex, but also appearing as a pundit for broadcaster SKY Sports. Here’s hoping both the runs and words flow Rosco!
Others to keep any eye out for:
Here’s a list of the BLACKCAPS who will feature in the English summer:
Mitchell McClenaghan – Middlesex
Mitchell Santner – Worcestershire
Neil Wagner – Lancashire
Matthew Henry – Worcestershire
Kane Williamson – Yorkshire
Hamish Rutherford – Derby
Adam Milne – Essex
Ross Taylor – Sussex
Tom Latham – Essex
James Neesham – Kent
