Blackcaps wicketkeeper BJ Watling has deflected praise for his record-breaking feat against Bangladesh on Sunday.
Watling caught an edge off the bat of Edadot Hossain to both secure his side victory, and move past Adam Parore's New Zealand record of 201 test dismissals by a wicketkeeper.
While he was well aware of the impending milestone, the 33-year-old pointed towards the quality of the bowling attack through his career as the primary reason for his success with the gloves.
"The boys chatted around and there were a few comments being made," Watling said post-game. "So I did know it was going to be the record.
"You put that down to as many opportunities as you get, and I've been lucky enough to keep to some of the greats and had plenty of opportunities to get dismissals."
Originally selected as an opening batsman before moving behind the stumps, Watling needed just 52 tests as gloveman to surpass Parore's mark, which was compiled across a 67-test tenure as a keeper.
The South African-born all-rounder admitted fatigue was a constant issue, and the ability to maintain focus through it the key to being effective.
"You go through stages. The body was sore at times…you start to feel a bit tired and stiff.
"It's mentally just trying to be as switched on as you can because you never know when the opportunity might come. That's always the biggest challenge."
Asked if any particular scalp stood out, Watling said he couldn’t go past his first stumping, where the victim was West Indies great Shivnarine Chanderpaul.
"I do remember a lot of dismissals, but I like to look at how they influence the series or match. We've managed to win a few great test matches and that's all part of it."
Blackcaps captain Kane Williamson highlighted his good mate's prowess as a veteran leader in the squad.
"BJ is a massive part of our group and he has been for such a long period of time," Williamson said.
"To come away with the most dismissals is a brilliant effort from the days of opening the batting and not being considered as a keeper, to transforming himself into that middle-lower order batsman who's been so successful with the gloves."
Newshub.
