New Zealand vs Bangladesh 2019: Key takeaways from the Test series

#2 Wagner proves, once again, his credentials as an enforcer

Neil Wagner once again ruffled the batsmen with his persistent short-pitch bowling

When Neil Wagner was in the early stages of his Test career, he was described as a medium-pacer with the mindset of a fast bowler. What this implied was that he tried to bowl short in an attempt to be hostile while his pace demanded him to be full in length.

But despite the lack of rapid speed, Wagner has been able to establish himself as an ‘enforcer’ – a term that implies a bowler who uses persistent short-pitch bowling to unsettle the batsmen. It was believed by many that this role can only be played by bowlers who can bowl at high pace.

But there have been examples of seamers who have done this job without bowling at excess speed. Liam Plunkett of England is one such name. Even Stuart Broad once tried to do the same thing but realized he was much more deadly pitching the ball up.

Wagner has made a career out of being this sort of bowler. Repeatedly, in Test cricket, he has scalped batsmen by delivering a barrage of short-pitch bowling. In fact, that now seems to be his primary role. This series saw him play that with great efficiency once again.

What has made Wagner successful is his willingness to toil hard and keep running in with intent in all circumstances? It is this display of heart that has made him a very useful bowler in conditions where the pitch is not offering help and something different is needed.

In this series, Bangladeshi batsmen were guilty of not showing greater caution when dealing with him. But the relentless barrage of short-pitch bowling that Wagner produces has brought results too often for these batsmen to be given all the blame. Wanger finishing with 16 wickets is a testament to his irrepressible fighting spirit.