3 players who were born in South Africa and are currently a part of the New Zealand squad against England

3 players who were born in South Africa and are currently a part of the New Zealand squad against England

New Zealand Test Team

New Zealand are presently playing a two-match Test series against England, the first of which ended in a draw. Both the teams will now move to Edbagston for the final test.

After the conclusion of this series New Zealand will play the eagerly anticipated World Test Championship Final versus India, which will be held from June 18-22 at the Ageas Rose Bowl in Southampton.

New Zealand have a well-balanced side which interestingly includes 3 players originally from a different nation. While we have known a lot about South African-born cricketers representing England. The South African players playing for the Blackcaps in New Zealand isn’t much spoken off.

There have been a handful of New Zealand cricketers born in South Africa who have had pretty reasonable success and have made it onto New Zealand’s national team.

On that note, let’s take a look at three players who were born in South Africa and are currently a part of the New Zealand squad against England.

Devon Conway

Devon Conway
Devon Conway

Devon Conway‘s name has already been inscribed on the Lord’s honors board for his outstanding performance for the Kiwis. Conway ended up scoring a breath-taking double century on debut against England on Day 2 (June 03) of the first Test.

This gifted left-hander was born in the Transvaal province of Johannesburg. In 2017, he relocated to New Zealand. Conway was eligible to play for New Zealand from August 28, 2020, as confirmed by the International Cricket Council.

Conway hasn’t looked back since making his debut for the Kiwis. He currently averages 75 in ODIs and 59.12 in T20Is.

Neil Wagner

Neil Wagner
Neil Wagner

Neil Wagner was born in Pretoria, South Africa and moved to New Zealand in 2008 with hopes to seek a future as a Test cricketer. In 2012, he made his Test debut for New Zealand against the West Indies and specializes in Tests, and only plays one format.

Wagner proved himself as a trustworthy third seamer for New Zealand during their 2013 home and away series against England, taking 19 wickets in five tests. Wagner is the epitome of a hard worker, and his trademark delivery, the bouncer, is the one that benefits him the most.

In 52 test matches, Wagner has picked up 219 wickets at an average of 26.33. He is expected to be a vital asset for New Zealand in the ongoing England series and the WTC Final.

BJ Watling

BJ Watling
BJ Watling

BJ Watling was born in Durban, however, he first played international cricket for New Zealand. He moved to New Zealand when he was ten years old, before completing his education or even taking up cricket professionally.

Watling made his Test debut in December 2009 and his ODI debut eight months later. He has represented New Zealand in all three formats but has not played in limited-overs since 2018.

Watling is recognized for playing vital knocks when his team is in terrible condition. He is the first wicket-keeper batsman for New Zealand to make a double century in a Test match. In 73 Tests, he has smashed 3773 runs at an average of 38.11 including eight centuries.

Watling had announced that he will be hanging his boots following New Zealand’s tour of England and the ICC World Test Championship final in June 2021.

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