I know I recently posted an article on BJ Watling but trying to edit to add this post failed miserably so here are a few facts and thoughts further to that article.
BJ Watling is fast approaching a watershed moment for him. Wicketkeeping in two forms of the game internationally. Currently he is the incumbent Test wicketkeeper, but should soon cement a place in the ODI Squad, based on his recent form in the Ford Trophy. With three matches gone, he, playing 4 in the order, has scored 72 off 85 balls, 83* of 88 balls, and in his last innings, 97* off 93 balls. That's a staggering record, averaging 252 at a strike rate of 94.
If those figures are not telling enough when looking at future BlackCap squads I don't know what is? Especially if one was to analyse the incumbent ODI wicketkeeper Luke Ronchi's record, not stellar!! Highest score of 38, but many scores under 10. Surely the inclusion of BJ warrants a decent look at. And we know he can bat so why not? Plus he can pace an innings if someone is going about the business at the other end (his shared 6th wicket partnership a world record with Brendon McCullum v India).
Come on NZ Cricket, and more importantly Mike Hesson and Bruce Edgar. Be sad to see the potential of Ronchi go for sure, but Watling is carrying around much bigger guns than he at the moment and those guns would go well in a very competitive BlackCaps unit going forward.
Editted to add: Just 3 minutes after writing this he goes for 5 off 13.
Revised figures are:
Average is currently, this season only, 128.5 striking at 92.
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