Wagner is in awe of Cook’s work ethic
AS ESSEX look to gain a foothold back in the top tier of the County Championship, all eyes have understandably been trained on the man making one of the biggest readjustments of his career.
After resigning from his position as England’s Test captain in February, Alastair Cook is back in action at Chelmsford and the 32-year-old has quickly set about putting to bed any fears that he would begin the new season wallowing in self-pity.
England’s record Test runscorer missed Essex’s opening draw against Lancashire with a hip problem but returned to the fold against Somerset last weekend and promptly inspired his team to an excellent runchase of 255 as they clinched their first Division One victory since 2010.
A masterful 110 guided Essex to an eight-wicket triumph and Cook’s new team-mate, New Zealand left-arm seamer Neil Wagner, is already in awe of how the former Test skipper’s class permeates the County Ground.
“It’s definitely a lot more fun to play on the same team as him, rather than to play against him and having him on the receiving end of your bowling,” said Wagner.
“He showed his class against Somerset and it’s great to be in the presence of a man that has so much experience and so much knowledge of the game of cricket.
“I think that you notice just how well he prepares and just how much work he does in training, and behind the scenes.
“I’ve already noticed how he gives his help and experience to the other players, and I think that it’s his calmness that stands out as well.
“It’s great to have a player like that at the club.”
Wagner, 31, also left his mark on Essex’s win over Somerset at Taunton with a sparkling six-for, the paceman shining in his second match for his new county.
Wagner has linked back up with former Otago team-mate Ryan ten Doeschate – Essex’s captain – for the first half of the 2017 season and the One-Day Cup.
Having played the most recent of his 32 Tests for New Zealand against South Africa from March 25-29, he had little time to prepare for the start of his Essex debut against Lancashire, with whom he spent last summer, on April 7.
However, as he prepares to take on reigning champions Middlesex starting today, the Kiwi ace feels that he is getting up to speed after a hectic start to life in Chelmsford.
“When I come over, I’m used to having a bit more time to get ready for the first game but I had to throw myself into it this time,” said Wagner.
“I was a bit jet-lagged when I arrived here and I had to get used to new weather and new conditions, but I’m getting there, slowly but surely.
“It was quite odd playing against Lancashire because I’ve got a lot of friends there, but as soon as you get onto the field, it’s a battlefield.
“I’ve got new friendships to make at Essex now and it’s been good so far.”