BJ Watling is going to take care of Test mace for the next two weeks in isolation: Neil Wagner

There is a different energy and vibe in the New Zealand squad after they defeated India in the final of the inaugural edition of the World Test Championship (WTC). It is after 21 years that the Kiwi team is taking an ICC trophy home in the form of the Test mace. Thus, the attachment of the players with the Test mace is understandable.  

After reaching New Zealand, the entire cricket squad will have to undergo a mandatory 14-day quarantine period. Keeping in mind the quarantine protocols, the Blackcaps decided to hand over the Test mace to wicketkeeper-batsman BJ Watling. The responsibility now falls on Watling to look after the mace for the coming two weeks. 

The revelation of Watling carrying the mace was made by seamer Neil Wagner. Wagner reckoned that all the players shared the mace for the whole night in the plane as they carried it around and basked in the happiness of finally winning an ICC tournament. However, as they were about to land in the country, Ross Taylor asked Wagner to give the mace to Watling. 

“We shared the mace around on the plane and throughout the whole night while celebrating, everybody had their turn to carry it around and make full use of that. And then on the plane, Ross (Taylor) got me to hand over the mace to BJ Watling, he’s going to take care of it for the next two weeks in isolation,” Wagner told stuff.co.nz.

I think it’s a fitting way for BJ Watling to send his career off: Neil Wagner

Notably, Watling was given special treatment as this was his last match in New Zealand colors. Before taking the field in the WTC final, the keeper had announced his decision of hanging his boots. Speaking about the same, Wagner added Watling experienced an amazing career and played for the Kiwis with his heart and soul. 

“I think it’s a fitting way for him to send his career off, it’s been an amazing career for us, the role he’s played for a number of years now, just the whole person he is and heart and soul of the team.

“He epitomizes everything we are about as a team, the team-first attitude, being a guy that scraps and fights for everything, he’s led that all the way from the start. He’ll be sorely missed in this team,” the fast bowler concluded.