World Test champions New Zealand are finally heading home after celebrating their crucial win against India in the historic final in Southampton. The players have also given Mace a nickname – Michael Mason, incidentally a former fast bowler who represented the country in just one Test.
Mason played only one Test in 2004 and played 26 ODIs and three T20Is between 2003 and 2010.
The captain said, “We had a great night. People were definitely quite happy after a great game of cricket… you add such a special moment after two years of hard work… It was fair to push.” Kane Williamson was quoted by ‘stuff.co.nz’ as saying.
When asked about his health the morning after the celebratory night, the likable captain said, “My version of this may not be as good as some others seem to me.”
ready to fly #WTC21 pic.twitter.com/fvKfZQpgnc
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) 24 June 2021
How long did this last? Williamson was unsure.
Williamson, who remained at the crease for a total of more than seven hours in the final, scored an unbeaten 49 and 52 against India, saying, “I don’t think I was the last, so maybe I’m not the person to ask.” Quality bowling attack in tough conditions.
Senior fast bowler Trent Boult said that Neil Wagner did not let the mace out of sight.
“Waghi (Neil Wagner) probably hasn’t let go of the mace since last night,” Boult said.
“The boys are happy. There is a mix of emotions and glee. Once we reach home and through the quarantine, we hope the festivities continue.”
Boult’s bowling partner Tim Southee had the mace with him when he boarded the plane home.
“Last night was fantastic. It was very special to get the job done after the wire fell on the sixth day. There was some feeling for the boys in the camp. There was a lot of disappointment with the (bad) weather around,” said Saudi.
“It’s hard to anticipate the reaction from home because we’re so far away, but I’m sure there’s a lot of emotion and a lot of pride.
“The messages are blowing through. We can’t wait to come home and celebrate with everyone.”
Jimmy Neesham, who played for the Black Caps in ODI and Twenty20 cricket, tweeted about drinking mace.
“I really only have one problem with the World Test Championship and that’s how you drink wine from the mace,” he said.
Williamson, however, will not be able to witness the players’ reception and subsequent celebrations at home as he will be back in the UK to play at The Hundred with Birmingham Phoenix starting July 21.
Devon Conway, Kyle Jamieson and Colin de Grandhomme will also remain in England to play the Twenty20 Blast.