Rarely when a team is beaten by just shy of 300 runs has a batsman on the losing team played a memorable innings. Even more unlikely, is that their effort of less than 20 could act as something of a beacon – a sign of resistance and defiance – that could help lay the foundation for their team’s next period of success. But so it was, when BJ Watling grafted out 19 from 108 balls in the second innings at the SCG in 2019. His Kiwi team all out for 136, defeated by 279 runs in the match, and 3-0 in the series. Such a knock, in such adverse and hostile conditions, hints at the tenacity of a player; when the game is gone, but the inner determination and will to succeed is not.
New Zealand has not dropped a Test match since that day at the SCG; their berth in the inaugural WTC Final a nod to their consistency and development over the last twelve months. A team built on a foundation of strong leadership and skill – Kane Williamson sits atop the tree for both – it is the willingness of players like BJ Watling to play an often-unsung role, that fosters prolonged success.
When he announced in the last week that the upcoming tour to England (including the WTC Final) would be his last, attention was rightly given to his exemplary record. Statistically the best Kiwi keeper of all time – that’s in front of and behind the stumps – BJ has been a vital part of the New-Zealand team since his debut in 2009. Having enjoyed most of his success in whites, Watling has averaged a tick under 40 with the willow and with just under 300 dismissals, is in the top 10 wicket-keepers of all time.
More than that, however, he has come to represent the endlessly affable, humble and determined Kiwi cricketer. Upon the announcement of his impending retirement, New-Zealand Cricket CEO, David White observed that Watling “has a quiet, unassuming and undemonstrative manner.”
Watling himself was quick to turn the attention away from his myriad on-field exploits as well, preferring to celebrate the camaraderie and unity he has enjoyed while representing his country. “I love winning games and I love enjoying them after with the lads.”
Celebrated as one of the great teammates and people of the game, David White assures that Watling is also one of New-Zealand’s great competitors. “He has a huge appetite for the contest,” he said. “I can’t think of another player who reacted so positively – and was so successful – in the face of adversity.” A rusted-on competitor, Watling has come to typify the gritty and determined wicket-keeper batsman.
Squeezing every last ounce from himself and his ability, Watling recalls the poignant advice he received from New-Zealand games record-holder, Daniel Vettori. “He said to me, make sure you’re not happy just playing one or two Tests, make sure you make a career out of it.” Sound advice and clearly well-received, Watling is proud when looking back on a career that could potentially end with a victory in the WTC; “If you’d told me I’d play 70-odd tests… I would definitely take that. In fact, I would’ve said you’re dreaming.”
Content that he is making the call at the right time, Watling will end his career after a strong WTC campaign. Having made two centuries – including a career high 205 against England – and collected 51 dismissals over New Zealand’s campaign, the South-African born Keeper can be proud of the role he has played in getting New-Zealand to the Final.
BJ Watling's is the only WTC shirt that has been donated to the Bradman Museum
Moreover, BJ Watling holds a special place at the Bradman Museum and International Cricket Hall of Fame. Since the WTC began in July 2019 – bringing with it names and numbers on the back of shirts – only one has been donated; BJ Watling’s from that Sydney Test. Ground into the dirt as they might have been on that tour (if you look closely you can actually see some of the SCG wicket square soil on the lower back), Watling and his Kiwis have turned it around in the ensuing twelve months, and have a chance to create history in just under a month.
Well played, BJ.
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