Episode Twenty Five : BJ Watling - He’s a Keeper

Reel Tails with Sweens - Podcast By Dwayne Sweeney

Episode Twenty Five :

This episode I catch up with an old High School friend who just so happens to be New Zealand cricket’s best ever wicket-keeper batsman, BJ Watling.

BJ has recently retired from a 13 year career at the top playing a total of 75 tests and goes out a World Test champion.

Through this podcast we get a “Reel” look into the career of one of New Zealand’s most respected players. We discuss how his time at Hamilton Boys’ High shaped him, our memories of playing 1st XI together, his introduction to the Black Caps and being sledged by Ricky Ponting.

We also discuss what it was like at the non striker’s end during Brendon McCullum’s famous Test 300, the different leadership styles of Brendon McCullum and Kane Williamson, being a world champion and so much more.

@b_jwatling

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Show Notes:

2:00 - Introduction, our time playing 1st XI cricket together

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8:22 - Insight to the grit and determination he was known for

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10:20 - His memories of winning a national title with Hamilton Boys’ High School

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14:58 - That catch from Henry Nichols in the World Test Championship final and how moments define sport

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20:03 - Chris Kuggeleijn and the influence he had mentoring us while we attended Hamilton Boys’ High School

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29:26 - His introduction to the Black Caps and his ability to process learnings and move forward

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35:58 - The IPL and how much it has helped develop New Zealand cricket through our players coming back and sharing their learnings and experiences

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40:40 - His experience with Brendon McCullum becoming captain and how it changed New Zealand cricket, the depth that has been created

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49:48 - His 200 vs England in the first test ever at Bay Oval and being apart of Brendon McCullum’s famous test 300

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1:00:16 - The importance of finding what works for you to help you perform, the importance of being able to switch the mind on and off

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1:18:27 - The influence Anton Devcich can have on a game, being sledged by Ricky Ponting and being able to play with and against some of his heros

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1:25:52 - The bond he shares with the bowlers, sharing a beer with the opposition and the characters of the game

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1:32:06 - The transition of the team from Brendon McCullum to Kane Williamson as captain

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1:42:30 - His decision to retire and going out as a World Test Champion

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1:49:07 - His all time slip caldron skill vs company

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1:52:41 - Devon Conway and how good he is

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1:56:10 - His move from South Africa to Tokoroa as boy

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1:58:40 - Final thoughts