1st Test: Wagner, Martin put NZ on top

Bowlers expose England’s batting flaws, restrict them to 167.

DUNEDIN: Neil Wagner and Bruce Martin proved able standbys as the backup pair made the most of their surprise inclusion to take four wickets each and help New Zealand bowl England out for 167 on the second day of the rain-shortened first Test.

The day ended with debutant Hamish Rutherford scoring 77 not out, while the recalled Peter Fulton was on 46 to put New Zealand in a strong position at 131 for no loss after the first day of the Test was washed out due to rain.

The 32-year-old Martin, who was making his debut, had been expected to take the spinner’s role until there were suggestions that New Zealand may instead opt for four pace bowlers at University Oval.

“Playing the spinner helped today,” said Wagner. “Bucko (Martin) bowled well taking four wickets himself which was pretty pleasing.”

Wagner had knocked the top off England’s batting lineup, dismissing captain Alastair Cook, Ian Bell and the prized wicket of Kevin Pietersen leg before for a golden duck with a swinging delivery that would have cannoned into middle stump.

“Getting Kevin’s wicket was massive in the warmup game but getting him in a Test is even better,” he said.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 8^th, 2013.