New Zealand wicketkeeper BJ Watling, left, reacts in pain after getting hurt in an attempt to catch the ball . (AP Photo) BJ Watling on the last day of his fine Test career dislocated his right ring finger but continued to fulfill his duties behind the wickets in the first session of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final on Wednesday.
Watling, who was injured when he tried to collect the ball, was running in from his position behind the stumps to a throw from his captain Kane Williamson. However, he carried on bravely as New Zealand won the match by eight wickets in a dramatic last session of play.
“BJ Watling dislocated his right ring finger in the first session and has received medical treatment during the lunch break before returning to the field,” NZC posted on Twitter.
BJ Watling dislocated his right ring finger in the first session and has received medical treatment during the lunch break before returning to the field. #WTC21 pic.twitter.com/740pwb8MVs
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) June 23, 2021
Watling had announced last month that he will bring down the curtains on his Test career after the England tour that also included the WTC Final against India.
Arguably the best ever wicketkeeper-batsman to play for New Zealand, Watling had missed the second Test against England to recover from a back injury.
In his 75th and final Test, Watling made it an occasion to remember by taking quite a few catches.
Earlier, Watling led his team out on the field on the last day of the WTC final.
The very proud wearer of Test cap #244 leads the team out on the final day of his Test career. Thank you @B_Jwatling #WTC21 pic.twitter.com/t6STiTwQ8P
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) June 23, 2021
India captain Virat Kohli congratulated Watling on his last day as a Test player.
Virat Kohli Shake hands and wishes to Bj Watling, today is the last day of Watling’s Test Career.
My Man Always Great Respect Player ❤️#WTC2021 #INDvNZ pic.twitter.com/gN3Q6Miptb
— 🇵🇹 NZ_𝙎𝙠𝘪𝘢𝘯 ʬ (@JustinOffcl_) June 23, 2021
There was a provision of a sixth day in the WTC final and New Zealand had fought its way back after two days of play were washed out due to rain.
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