I want the last laugh over Cook
should be regarded as New Zealand’s most dangerous bowler ahead of this two-match series.
The seamer is No 6 in the Test world rankings and was the top wicket-taker, with 12, when England drew their last Test series in New Zealand in 2013.
However, he is wary of Joe Root’s team following their 4-0 Ashes defeat in Australia earlier this winter.
Asked if it was a good time to play England, Wagner said: “Definitely not – if anything, it could motivate them to come back stronger.
“England is a proud nation and a quality cricket team, so I wouldn’t expect anything less than this being a really tough series. It will be a good test for us.” Wagner, who was born in South Africa but qualified for New Zealand in 2012, is clearly desperate to beat England in this series. But he is also full of respect for James Anderson, left, who he played with at Lancashire earlier in his career, and Stuart Broad, who enters the series opener in Auckland looking for his 400th Test wicket.
The pair are England’s two all-time leading wicket-takers, with 922 Test scalps between them.
Wagner said: “I remember playing alongside Jimmy for Lancashire a few years ago. I was amazed by him – just the skill, the class he has got and the competitor he is. That’s why he’s one of England’s greats.
“They have worked together for a long period of time and have had a lot of success for England. That’s something to look up to.”