Bradley-John Watling, commonly known as BJ Watling, is a prominent cricket player from New Zealand. Born on July 9, 1985, in Durban, South Africa, Watling relocated to New Zealand at the age of ten. He is a right-handed opening batsman and a part-time wicketkeeper. With his exceptional skills and contributions to the New Zealand national team, Watling has established himself as one of the most valuable players in the country’s cricketing history.
Watling’s journey in cricket began when he was selected for the Under-19 squad to represent New Zealand in the World Cup held in Bangladesh during the 2003-2004 season. His impressive performances in the tournament caught the attention of the selectors, leading to his inclusion in the Northern Districts squad. In his third season with the team, Watling emerged as the second-highest run-scorer, amassing 564 runs at an impressive average of 37.60.
Watling’s prowess continued to grow, and in the 2008-2009 State Shield competition, he showcased his exceptional batting skills, accumulating a staggering 509 runs at an outstanding average of 63.62. This remarkable performance earned him a spot in New Zealand’s one-day squad for the ODI series against Pakistan held in the United Arab Emirates.
In 2010, Watling’s career took a significant turn when Brendon McCullum decided to focus on wicketkeeping only in ODIs. This opened up an opportunity for Watling to establish himself as New Zealand’s long-term prospect in Tests. Despite facing tough competition from contenders such as Gareth Hopkins, Reece Young, and Kruger van Wyk, Watling proved his mettle and gained recognition as the ideal choice for the wicketkeeper-batsman role in the Test format.
Initially, Watling played predominantly as a specialist batsman in his first six Test matches between 2009 and 2012. However, in 2013, he embraced the role of New Zealand’s full-time wicketkeeper for the longer format of the game. Known for his neat and agile glove work, Watling’s performances behind the stumps have been nothing short of exemplary.
What sets Watling apart is not just his wicketkeeping abilities but also his exceptional batting skills. In February 2014, during a Test against India in Wellington, Watling and Brendon McCullum set a new record for the highest sixth-wicket partnership, amassing 352 runs. His outstanding knock of 124 in that match marked his first test century against a top-eight nation.
Watling’s resilience and determination were evident during New Zealand’s tour of the West Indies when his battling innings of 66, alongside a crucial 99-run partnership with Mark Craig, prevented a West Indies victory in Port-of-Spain. His remarkable performances on this tour led McCullum to publicly endorse Watling as one of his favorite cricketers.
As of now, Watling’s career in international cricket boasts numerous achievements, including breaking records and making significant contributions to the New Zealand team. His ability to seamlessly balance his responsibilities as a wicketkeeper and a batsman has earned him a reputation as a dependable and consistent player.
Watling’s unwavering commitment to the sport and his continuous quest for improvement make him an indispensable asset to New Zealand cricket. With his technical expertise, resilience, and unwavering passion for the game, Watling’s impact on the cricketing world is bound to endure for years to come.
