Watling breaks Mccullum records
He spilled litres of sweat on the P Saravanamuttu Stadium pitch, BJ Watling, and was rewarded with the complete set of New Zealand test wicketkeeping records.
The man who owns the title of best Black Caps test cricketer in a supporting role again underlined his value when he ground out test century No 7 on day five of the second test against Sri Lanka.
A tick over five hours, Watling batted in the heat and stifling humidity of Colombo, ending with a flourish as New Zealand chased quick runs and he was 105 not out when Kane Williamson declared on 431-6 with a first innings lead of 187.
It was vintage
Watling in tough conditions, defying the Sri Lankan bowlers like an immovable object and supporting Tom
Latham (154) and a free-scoring Colin de Grandhomme (83 off 77 balls) in significant partnerships.
Watling played eight tests as a batsman but in the 55 others where he was designated wicketkeeper, Watling boosted his tally to six centuries and 2887 runs at an average of 40.66.
Former Black Caps captain Brendon Mccullum played 52 of his 101 tests as wicketkeeper, scoring 2803 runs at 34.18 including five centuries.
Watling passed both Mccullum’s runs and centuries marks at P Sara, having taken possession of the New Zealand test dismissals record during the home summer when he overtook Adam Parore’s total of 201 (194 catches, seven stumpings). Mccullum’s tally ended at 179 (168 catches, 11 stumpings).
After Sri Lanka’s first innings of the second test Watling’s total was 214 (206 catches, eight stumpings) to have him 15th on the all-time list.
There were one or two blemishes to half chances in this series but generally his standards remain high at age 34, with a big summer of test cricket approaching: two home tests against England, three in Australia and then two at home against India.
For the latest on the second test, go to stuff.co.nz