Cricket: Wagner in swing of things

Reverse swing - hailed as one of the most critical weapons in a quick bowlers' armoury - has been an elusive quality in the Black Caps but that could change with the appearance of Neil Wagner in July's cricket tour of the West Indies.

The left arm fast-medium bowler will be part of a two-test series with conditions in the West Indies conducive to his biggest weapon. Reverse swing, the art of getting an older ball to swing (often in the reverse direction from that expected), usually occurs later in a match when a ball has been scuffed up. However, the generally abrasive nature of the pitches in the West Indies means the ball can reverse swing early - ideal for Wagner.

"It has been my major strength in the past and, once it does move, the batsmen do not know which way it will go which could be a huge advantage in the West Indies," said Wagner.

"I am at my most dangerous when the ball has gone for long periods but the nature of the game means the ball does not always go the way you want it to."

Wagner has vowed to bowl smart as he prepares for his long-awaited New Zealand debut. The South African-born pace bowler is the only new cap in the 15-man test squad heading to the Caribbean and is confident he can repay the selectors' faith by upping his game at international level.

"I will play aggressively and try to bowl quickly because that is what they picked me for and how I play the game," said Wagner, cleared to represent the Black Caps after a four-year wait.

Wagner is quick, although not quite in the 150km/hr-plus bracket of those at the top end of the speed scale - but reverse swing is a powerful weapon even for bowlers slower than Wagner.

"In first-class cricket, it might take you 10 balls to knock someone over but, at this level, it could take three times longer so it is about being smart, patient and focusing on the mental aspects of your game," said Wagner who came to New Zealand from England - after he left South Africa following missing out on a place with his provincial franchise. The Titans already had Albie and Morne Morkel, Dale Steyn and Andre Nel on their books when Wagner emerged. So he travelled to England, where he was recruited by former Otago coach Mike Hesson, now one of the men rumoured to be in the mix for the Black Caps' coaching position that will be vacated by John Wright.

Wagner's qualification wait has been long and frustrating but as he nears his first taste of Kiwi action, he can't help looking ahead to the possibility of a return to his homeland.

"It is definitely in the back of my mind - I have not played in front of my family and friends in six years - but I am taking things one step at a time," said Wagner, born in Pretoria, northern South Africa. "To return home representing New Zealand would be a dream and I would be breaking my back to win because it would mean everything to me."

Inevitable comparisons with South African bowlers such as Steyn, Vernon Philander, Marchant de Lange and Morne Morkel will follow but he believes they only share one common attribute.

"Having a never-say-die attitude is something I believe we all have," Wagner said. "But I cannot compare myself to these players as we are all different and I never try to style myself on anyone.

"Travelling has taught me a lot cricketing-wise," said Wagner. "I have played with some fantastic cricketers but I think my performances excelled when I came to Otago. They helped me understand the game and improve all aspects of my bowling. I would not be where I was today without their help, everything from day one was done to make me an international cricketer."

Current Otago coach Vaughn Johnson stressed that clever bowling will be the key to his success: "Neil will fancy his chances anywhere but as long as he keeps it simple and doesn't go searching too often - which I think he has learnt during his time at Otago - he will continue his improvement as a cricketer. He is very aggressive and loves taking wickets but there is a process to bowling and part of that process is the ability to bowl dots.

"If you can bowl heavy deliveries and make sure the opposition aren't going anywhere you create your own pressure and give yourself opportunities to take wickets. You can't just go out and try and get a wicket every ball."