E52 | BJ Watling
Episode summary | BJ Watling
BJ Watling has had the arguably the perfect test cricket career.
Starting out when New Zealand Cricket was at their lowest ebb in South Africa in 2013 he finished his 11 year stint with the Blackcaps winning the World Test Championship as New Zealand's greatest-ever wicketkeeper-batsman in test cricket. Over his 75 tests he has scored more runs with a better average than any other Kiwi keeper, and recorded the most dismissals.
Off the pitch he has made a similar impact with several of the games greats effusive of their praise for the South African born Watling. We chart his journey from hardball cricket in Durban to Kiwi Cricket in Tokoroa, and reflect on his schoolboy success as part of a golden generation at Hamilton Boys’ High School.
This episode gives a real insight into how BJ became such a likeable, humble, no-nonsense character. He's one of the best to ever play the game and yet has zero ego attached.
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Show notes | BJ Watling
2.05 BJ Watling fresh from day three of the Blackcaps Trophy Tour in Tauranga and Hamilton, how does he enjoy the limelight?
4.31 Steven’s two claims to fame - starting ahead of Chris Wood and keeping wickets ahead of BJ Watling – featuring Bruce Holloway as coach
8.15 Hamilton Boys’ High School, back-to-back Gillette Cup wins, Seddon Park nets, and batting for time
14.16 A couple of characters: Anton Devcich and Chris Kuggeleijn
18.25 Kuugs, Brendon McCullum and Kane Williamson on BJ Watling
23.49 Retirement from the Blackcaps: motivation, time away from home, injuries, and a series of lasts
33.30 The World Test Championship Final
45.36 BJ’s relationship with Brendon McCullum
52.03 Smoking and cricket
56.00 That time the Blackcaps were rolled for 45 against South Africa in 2013
1.00.37 From Durban to Tokoroa and on to Hamilton Boys’ High School
1.08.13 Reflections on white ball cricket
1.10.52 The role of coach and captain in cricket and a focus on Kane Williamson
1.16.46 The scariest bowler to face, worst team mate to room with, and sledging
1.22.46 The rise of T20 and the IPL
1.25.01 Becoming a Kiwi and wanting to be a Blackcap, next career steps, and final words from Steve, Seamus and BJ
