BJ Watling: News

New Zealand cricketer Bradley-John Watling retired from all formats of the game after winning the World Test Championship final against India in 2021. For a man who gave consistency and security to the wicketkeeper position for New Zealand in the longer format of the game after Brendon McCullum's departure, it was a fitting farewell. Watling was born in South Africa in 1985 and moved to New Zealand when he was 10 years old. He made his first-class debut for Northern Districts in 2004. He received his first international call-up in an ODI series against Pakistan in 2009. Although he did not play in that series, he made his international debut against the same side in T20I in 2009. In the same year, he made his international Test debut as well. His ODI debut was against Sri Lanka in a triangular series in 2010. Watling cemented his position in the New Zealand Test side from 2012 onwards. Known for his perseverance at the crease, Watling was part of two world-record sixth-wicket partnerships, first with McCullum and then with Kane Williamson. Watling holds the record for most catches by a wicketkeeper for New Zealand.