Kyle Jamieson reveals watching New Zealand’s ‘nerve-racking’ run chase from washroom

Although New Zealand were chasing just 139 on the sixth day to win the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final against India, fast bowler Kyle Jamieson was nervous to watch the action unfold with his teammates. Instead, the lanky pacer found the bathroom more comfortable and was seen there right through the team’s chase. The 26-year-old felt the noise from the Indian crowds was what made him nervous.

Eventfully Ross Taylor and Kane Williamson took the Blackcaps over the line with eight wickets remaining, in what turned out to be a fairly comfortable run-chase. The bowlers set up the chase for the batters by restricting India to just 170 in the second innings. Jamieson himself had a memorable outing with the ball in hand as he picked up seven wickets.

While speaking with Country Sport Breakfast on Gold AM, the lanky pacer explained that he was very nervous while watching the run-chase. “It was probably the toughest period of cricket I’ve been a part of, in terms of watching. We were sitting inside and actually watching on TV. There was a bit of a delay but it seemed like every ball the Indian crowd was up and about and I was like ‘jeez it’s a wicket’ or something like that, but it turned out it was just a block or a single.”

Kyle Jamieson featured for Surry in the county circuit after the WTC Final

While the majority of the New Zealand players returned to their homeland, the 26-year-old stayed in England to play T20 matches for Surrey. Jamieson admitted it was tough saying goodbye to his mates, but also believed it was important to focus ahead on the upcoming challenges.

“It was certainly tough to say goodbye to those guys. Coming off a high of what we just experienced and that moment we all enjoyed together, to go and say goodbye was quite tough. It was a quick turnaround. I think within 48 hours I was back on the park playing T20 for Surrey. It’s kind of the life we live a little bit. But it’s nice to stay on and to experience county cricket for the next few weeks.”