Top 5 spinners in New Zealand's Test history

#4 Stephen Boock

Stephen Boock reserved his best for crucial matches against England

Making his debut at Wellington in 1978, Stephen Boock instantly became etched in Kiwi cricket folklore. While his contribution stood at just a solitary wicket, the left-arm spinner was part of a New Zealand team which defeated England for the first time in their Test history. Boock's strength lay in his ability to stitch together one quiet over after another. However, he played only 30 Test matches as his career coincided with the rise of off-spinner John Bracewell.

Boock's 74 Test scalps included four five-wicket hauls. One of those propelled New Zealand to a famous 165-run victory against the then emerging Sri Lankan outfit in Kandy during the 1984 series. His four victims - comprising proven players of spin such as Graeme Fowler (twice), Mike Gatting and Ian Botham - played a key role in hastening England to an ignominious innings defeat in Christchurch.

Career Span

1978 to 1989

Statistics

74 wickets from 30 Tests at an average of 34.64 and strike-rate of 89.1 with 4 five-wicket hauls