NZ defiance ensures fitting end to summer

David Leggat

New Zealand’s final day of test cricket this season was far from a comfortable end in the Christchurch sun.

They had to dig deep because much was at stake — completing a successful test summer; securing a rare series win over England; and simply wanting to finish the season on the right note.

It could all have gone pear-shaped. Let’s say England had pushed on from having New Zealand 91 for four at lunch, won well and squared the series. How that would have put a big, wet splodge on cricket’s annual awards dinner in Auckland tonight.

If there’s an image to take away from New Zealand’s afternoon batting heroics, it was Ish Sodhi’s thumping of his chest and pointing to the crowd as he left the field a lone figure — last man out Neil Wagner had left the ground a couple of moments earlier before the game was called off for bad light — having had his most memorable day of test cricket and ensured England had been denied.

The odd thing, though, it was nothing to do with his legspin bowling, for which he was chosen.

The ball didn’t fall his way in England’s two innings, but he showed huge heart to do his part for the team where others had come up short earlier in the day.

Both Sodhi and Neil Wagner, defiant for 107 minutes, and taking bangs on the body at times, should wake up today quietly chuffed at what they achieved yesterday.

New Zealand, remember, had been second best for virtually the whole test, apart from having England 164 for seven on the first day.

And still enough batsmen had the grit and wherewithal to hunker down and ensure the position New Zealand had won in the historic pink ball test at Eden Park a week earlier wasn’t tossed away.

So ended the 18th day of test cricket this season. The West Indies had been despatched twice inside a total of eight days.

The England visit, which included a cracking five-game ODI series, was substantially better fare.

New Zealand Cricket will have learnt once again that Hagley Oval is the best test venue in the country — just don’t schedule any further tests running into April.

Sodhi reckoned he’ll have the Barmy Army songs ringing in his ears a while yet. So he should, for their vocal contribution will remind him of the time he saved a test without a ball in his hand.