WTC final: Here’s the reason behind New Zealand naming the Test mace after Michael Mason

Winning the final of the inaugural edition of the World Test Championship (WTC) against India was an extremely special moment for the New Zealand team. It was after 21 years that the Kiwis took an ICC trophy home after they won the ICC Knockout Trophy back in 2000. The excitement and thrill among the players on winning the WTC were quite visible in the pictures and videos shared on social media.

The Test mace has been receiving some special treatment from the Kiwi players as the Black Caps strapped the mace into a seat on the plane ride home. It is also learned that out of joy, the players have given different nicknames to the Test mace. One of the nicknames that have grabbed the most attention has to be Michael Mason.

The nickname Michael Mason has left a lot of cricket fans surprised and confused. Interestingly, Mason is a former New Zealand cricketer who represented the Black Caps in one Test match. He also featured in 26 One Day Internationals and three T20 Internationals picking 33 wickets. He was also part of the 2007 T20 World Cup squad for the Kiwis.

New Zealand’s decorated seamer, Trent Boult, revealed the nickname of the Test mace as he also spoke about the feelings the players are going through. “It’s had a couple of nicknames already. I feel like Michael Mason is sticking – ex-New Zealand cricketer, right-arm seamer from the mighty Central Districts,” he said.

Neil Wagner probably hasn’t let the mace go since last night: Trent Boult

Further in the interaction, Boult added that Neil Wagner is the one who hasn’t let go of the mace even for a single time. The seamer is also hoping to continue the celebrations in NZ once all the players complete their quarantine as the citizens and the other players in the country are quite ecstatic about the victory. 

“Waggy [Neil Wagner] probably hasn’t let the mace go since last night,” Boult was quoted as saying by stuff.co.nz. “The boys are ecstatic. There’s been a mixture of emotion and jubilation. Once we get home and through quarantine, we’ll hopefully continue the celebrations.

“It’s been hard to gauge the reaction from back home because we’re so far away, but I’m sure there is a lot of emotion and a lot of pride. The messages have been flying through. We can’t wait to get home and celebrate with everyone,” Boult concluded.